FDC Thrown Into Fresh Panic as Seven Teso MP  Candidates Plot Exit in Favour of NRM

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is facing growing anxiety and internal strain in the Teso sub-region following revelations that at least seven parliamentary  candiadtes are set to withdraw from the 2026 race in favour of candidates from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), just days to polling.

The disclosure was made on Wednesday in Soroti City by the State Minister for Works and Transport and Amuria County MP, Musa Francis Ecweru, who said the impending withdrawals are the result of sustained consultations, mobilization and political realignments aimed at consolidating support behind the NRM.

Ecweru said the candidates, some of whom had been eyeing independent or opposition tickets, have since resolved to step aside “out of conviction, not coercion,” in what he described as a collective decision to prioritize unity, peace and development in Teso.

“I can confirm without fear of contradiction that close to seven people who had intentions to run for Parliament in Teso have chosen the path of unity.

They are going to step aside to support NRM candidates so that we go into the elections as one strong family,” Ecweru said, adding that their identities would be formally announced in the coming days as campaigns wind up.

The minister’s remarks come against the backdrop of visible unease within the FDC, who are still recovering from the shock withdrawal of Daniel Eigu, the FDC chairperson soroti district from the Soroti county Parliamentary Race .

Eigu, whose newfound love is NRM, threw his weight  behind President Museveni and the NRM flagbearer, though the party decided to block his withdrawal from the race.

More Worries have emerged after FDC flag bearer for Gweri County in Soroti District, Tom Julius Ekudo, on the same day told journalists that he was the target of a suspicious attempt to have him “denominated” from the race.

Ekudo, who also enjoys backing from National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), said unknown individuals recently contacted him demanding sensitive personal details, including his National Identification Number (NIN) and voter location.

“On Saturday, somebody called me asking for my NIN number and voter location number. I asked them, for what reason? Are you the chairperson of the Electoral Commission? They said no,” Ekudo recounted, questioning how a non-electoral official could legitimately demand such information.

Ekudo said the caller fell silent when pressed to explain their intentions, reinforcing his suspicion that the information was meant to sabotage his candidature. “Why they wanted my NIN number, I can not tell. Is it because they want to denominate me? That one will never happen,” he said.

The FDC candidate insisted that his credentials are fully in order, noting that his identity has already been authenticated through official parliamentary systems.

As the countdown to polling day continues, the contrasting narratives—NRM projecting unity and momentum, and the FDC crying foul and warning of sabotage—underscore a region where political tides appear to be rapidly shifting, with the opposition increasingly on the defensive and crying foul play while  the ruling party consolidating its grip on Teso.