Residents Decry Lack of Transparency in FDC Mayoral Candidate Selection
During a charged community meeting held on Sunday evening at Grand Pas Gardens in Jinja City, locals called on aspirant Asuman Nkwanga to run as an independent, accusing the party of sidelining popular candidates through non-transparent methods.
Residents of Jinja City Northern Division have raised serious concerns over the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s internal selection process for the 2026 mayoral race, citing corruption, favoritism, and exclusion. During a charged community meeting held on Sunday evening at Grand Pas Gardens in Jinja City, locals called on aspirant Asuman Nkwanga to run as an independent, accusing the party of sidelining popular candidates through non-transparent methods.
They expressed dissatisfaction with the recently released list of FDC cardholders, which excluded several aspirants, including Nkwanga. One concerned member questioned why, unlike in other districts like Sironko, Bududa, and Bulambuli, where internal elections were held, Jinja City candidates were handpicked. “In the past, the party organized delegate meetings to choose a flagbearer. Why is Jinja different?” he asked. Sepebwa Godfrey, another mayoral aspirant, revealed that although nominated by party members, he was excluded after what was termed a “harmonization” meeting.
“I was told to step down because I lacked money. That’s not democracy,” he said. Sepebwa further accused FDC chairman Lugadda Joseph of soliciting over one million shillings from him via mobile money and in cash, calling for fair and transparent internal elections. Kirya Ngobi Steven also criticized the party, claiming it had deviated from its founding values. “FDC should embrace open dialogue, not closed-door decisions,” he said. Ibanda Sam Kisambira echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are committed to the party, but decisions made by a few individuals don’t reflect the will of the members.”
Juius Ziwa, chairman of the Independents in Jinja City and himself a mayoral aspirant, rallied behind Nkwanga Asuman, encouraging him to run as an independent. “Political parties today prioritize money over democracy. Even in the U.S., independents are rising. Why not here?” he remarked.
Ceazer Huzeifah, an FDC councilor aspirant, also shared his frustration. He alleged that after paying 700,000 shillings to two individuals—Richard of Walukuba and Lugadda Joseph—for a party card, he was told he was unfit due to being “broke.” “They asked for bank statements and photos for a card that costs just 6,000 shillings. After two days, the card was given to my opponent,” Huzeifah said, vowing to seek a refund and contest independently.
He added that Richard Olyao now dodges his calls and is often seen at the FDC offices near Kama Oil. Mama Blue, real name Byuma Betty, added her voice, urging Nkwanga to stay in the race “at all costs,” whether as an independent or an FDC candidate. In response to the calls, Nkwanga Asuman said he would consult further before making a decision. He criticized Madox Lugada, accusing him of switching back to FDC after failing in the National Unity Platform (NUP), and blamed local party leaders—not Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi—for the dysfunction.
“The issue isn’t with Nandala; it’s the local leaders who mislead him. I’m always on the ground with my voters, and they will follow me regardless of the path I take,” he declared. Nkwanga further called on the FDC secretariat to establish clear leadership structures in Jinja and condemned alleged false reports submitted by EC Supervisor Lugada Joseph to the party’s top leadership.
He claimed these reports misrepresented his level of campaign activity and support. However, Lugada Madox Joseph, when contacted by phone, dismissed the allegations, saying: “All those tarnishing my name are stupid. I don’t respond to such ‘malwa’ talk. We chose Jolly because he is the most suitable for the position.”
It should be noted that earlier at a press conference held at the FDC offices in Jinja City, located at Kama Oil in Milo Mbili, Electoral Commission Supervisor Joseph Madox Luganda and his deputy Richard Olyao stated that the party’s vetting committee had conducted a thorough ground assessment before finalizing the nominations. As tensions continue to mount, all eyes remain on Nkwanga’s next move, which could significantly alter the mayoral contest in Jinja Northern Division.
