Politics 16 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
FDC Sets Sights on 2031, Acknowledges Reduced Parliamentary Presence
Despite a significant drop in parliamentary seats, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party remains committed to its opposition role and is focusing on grassroots rebuilding and internal unity, with national elections in 2031 as a key target. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/fdc-not-shaken-by-2026-political-turmoil-sets-eyes-on-2031-5461996
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, once Uganda’s leading opposition force, is strategically planning for the future, setting its sights on the 2031 elections rather than the upcoming 2026 polls. The party has acknowledged a considerable reduction in its parliamentary representation, falling from 32 seats in the 11th Parliament to just nine in the 12th.
Party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat stated that this reduction, exacerbated by internal divisions and the emergence of new political entities, does not diminish the FDC’s national influence. He emphasized the party’s commitment to strengthening its grassroots structures and making the party more appealing to the electorate.
“We must reorganise, strengthen ourselves from the grassroots, and make the party attractive again,” Mr. Amuriat told this publication. He also expressed concerns about reduced funding but is optimistic that internal support systems will sustain the party’s operations.
The FDC’s nine Members of Parliament have reportedly received training to operate effectively within the House, focusing on legislative procedures and debate techniques to ensure their voices are heard. MPs like Joan Acom Alobo and Anna Adeke Ebaju have stressed that impactful leadership is not solely dependent on numbers.
Looking ahead, the FDC aims to use its parliamentary presence to foster constructive debate on governance reforms, accountability, and Uganda’s long-term political direction, particularly concerning leadership transition. The party leadership sees the current parliament as a transitional phase and urges continued strategic unity among opposition members.