The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of partisan conduct in the nomination process for the upcoming youth elections, raising alarm over the credibility of the electoral process.
The allegations stem from a controversial incident in Soroti district, where Joel Ogwang, an FDC candidate initially nominated for the position of Youth Secretary for Finance, was instead listed under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as a candidate for Secretary for Sports and Culture.
Addressing journalists at the party’s weekly press briefing, on June 16, 2025, FDC Electoral Commission Chairman Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda confirmed that the party had filed a formal complaint to EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, demanding accountability and corrections.
Toterebuka criticized the EC for failing to provide the party with a copy of the Special Interest Group (SIG) Register, a critical document that outlines all legitimate candidates in the elections.
“This confirms that the EC is registering ghost candidates,” he stated.
He urged all Special Interest Groups particularly youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, warning that manipulation and misrepresentation are real threats to democracy.
Meanwhile, FDC Spokesperson John Kikonyogo at the same event criticized the 2025/2026 national budget, describing it as, ‘detached from the daily struggles of ordinary Ugandans.’
“It is more or less analytic, debt-driven, and disconnected from the reality faced by the average Ugandan,” Kikonyogo said.
He disapproved the budget for prioritizing debt servicing and elite interests, while failing to address economic pressures faced by border communities and vulnerable populations.
As Uganda prepares for the youth elections on June 19, 2025, pressure is mounting on the Electoral Commission to uphold impartiality, release all necessary electoral materials, and conduct a credible, transparent process that guarantees equal opportunity for all political actors.
