Sironko, Uganda, The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Sironko District has summoned more than ten of its members for allegedly violating the party’s constitution by openly supporting a candidate from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The accused members, including local leaders, face disciplinary action after endorsing Julius Nakiyi, the NRM flagbearer for the Budadiri East constituency seat, instead of the FDC’s official candidate, incumbent MP Isaiah Sasaga Wanzira.
Patrick Wanyaye, the FDC Sironko District Chairperson, confirmed the summons, stating that the members’ actions contravene Article 23 of the FDC constitution, which prohibits members from campaigning for rival parties.
“We cannot tolerate indiscipline. These members have publicly campaigned for an NRM candidate, yet they are registered with us. They must appear before the disciplinary committee to explain themselves,” Wanyaye said, Allan Muduku (Bukise Sub-County) , Gidudu Dadiri (LC3 Chairperson, Busulani Sub-County)
Wanyaye warned that the accused will be given two options: **publicly renounce their support for NRM and rally behind FDC’s official candidate or face expulsion from the party.
Moses Wakoka, the FDC District Registrar, lamented that such defiance weakens the party’s grassroots support. “We cannot build a strong opposition if our own members are sabotaging us. Discipline is key,” he said.
MP Isaiah Sasaga Wanzira, the FDC’s endorsed candidate, condemned the errant members, accusing them of trying to undermine the party. “This is betrayal. We cannot have FDC leaders campaigning for our opponents while claiming to be members,” Wanzira stated.
However, Allan Muduku , one of the summoned members, said he is ready to face the disciplinary committee but **refused to pledge support for Wanzira, citing personal political differences.
“I will appear before the committee, but I cannot support Wanzira. My decision is based on principle, not party affiliation,” Muduku said.
Meanwhile, in a show of solidarity, hundreds of FDC supporters in Budadiri East publicly endorsed Wanzira as the party’s sole candidate, dismissing those backing the NRM’s Nakiyi as “traitors.”
The summoned members are expected to appear before the FDC disciplinary committee in the coming days. If found guilty, they risk expulsion, which could further deepen divisions within the party ahead of the elections.
Political analysts suggest that the FDC’s internal wrangles could benefit the NRM in Budadiri East, where voter loyalty is often split along personal and party lines.
