Kampala, Uganda | The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has rejected attempts by its Soroti County parliamentary flag bearer, Mr Daniel Eigu, to withdraw from the 2026 elections, a move that has reshaped the contest and injected fresh uncertainty into the race.
In a letter dated December 26, 2025, addressed to the Acting Secretary of the Electoral Commission, FDC Secretary General Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi said the party would not sanction Mr Eigu’s withdrawal despite a prior notice submitted by the candidate himself.
The letter, received and stamped by the Electoral Commission on the same day, followed earlier correspondence from the commission dated December 23 and Mr Eigu’s withdrawal letter dated December 22.
Mr Mafabi said under the law, the authority to withdraw a candidate nominated on a party ticket lies with the sponsoring political party.
“Mr Daniel Eigu is our duly nominated candidate for Soroti County Constituency, Soroti District, and cannot withdraw at will as per the provisions of Section 36(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act,” Mr Mafabi wrote.
The FDC maintains that once a candidate is nominated under a party ticket, any decision to withdraw must be initiated or approved by the party.
The development complicates what had appeared to be a smooth political realignment in favour of incumbent Member of Parliament Mr Patrick Aeku, who was widely expected to benefit from Mr Eigu’s earlier public declaration of support.
In the same communication, the FDC leadership said it would continue active campaigns in support of Mr Eigu and all other party candidates until the official close of campaigns on January 15, 2026.
“…Therefore, the party shall not withdraw Mr Daniel Eigu from the race, and we shall continue campaigning for him with other party candidates until the end of campaigns…,” the letter states.
Copies of the letter were also shared with the FDC party president, Mr Eigu, and the Soroti District Returning Officer, signalling the party’s expectation that Mr Eigu remains on the ballot and continues to participate in campaign activities.
The decision underscores growing tensions within opposition ranks and is likely to influence voter dynamics in Soroti County as the election draws closer.
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