No FDC flag bearer can withdraw after nomination, says Nandala

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has issued a firm warning to party flag bearers, saying no candidate can withdraw from an election race once officially nominated on the party ticket.

Speaking to journalists in Amudat district, Nandala said the party would not recognise withdrawals made by candidates who, after nomination, choose to step aside, whether voluntarily or following alleged agreements with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“Once you are nominated by the party, you lose the grounds to withdraw,” Nandala said. “Even if someone decides to walk away, the party will continue to campaign for that candidate. As FDC, we do not withdraw unless it’s the electoral commission that withdraws on other fronts like forgery or lack of qualifications.”

His remarks come amid growing concern within the opposition after several FDC flag bearers reportedly defected to the NRM or withdrew from races, fuelling speculation about political inducements and pressure ahead of the general elections.

Nandala addressed the recent withdrawal of Soroti district FDC chairperson Daniel Eigu from a parliamentary contest, dismissing it as an individual decision that does not affect the party’s participation in the race.

“He can withdraw as an individual, but he cannot withdraw the party. We shall campaign up to the end. Anybody who goes, when he wins, he will come back, so we ask the people of Soroti to vote him,” Nandala said.

According to Nandala, the Electoral Commission wrote to the FDC seeking guidance after receiving a formal letter indicating Eigu’s intention to withdraw from the race.

He said the party’s position was clear, that once nominated, a candidate remains on the ballot as far as the FDC is concerned.

The FDC has in recent months lost several prominent aspirants to the ruling party. These include Kyenjojo district woman MP aspirant Eng. Rose Kemigisa, Mbarara city woman MP aspirant Evath Kafureeka, and Ntungamo district woman MP aspirant Deborah Namara.

Nandala insisted these departures do not weaken the party, saying the FDC remains strong and focused on its national agenda.

“Individuals may leave, but the party remains intact,” he said.

The developments have also drawn reactions from the NRM. In an online exchange, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa defended his party’s engagement with opposition figures while responding to National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi on X.

“Politics is about engaging, and we shall continue to do that with those opposed to NRM,” Tayebwa wrote. “We don’t need to buy anyone; we only need to debunk the lies spread about our government, party and candidate.”