By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti District - The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has dismissed an attempt by its flag bearer, Mr. Eigu Daniel, to withdraw from the parliamentary race for Soroti County Constituency, affirming that campaigns will continue as planned until the official close of the campaign period.

In a letter addressed to the Acting Secretary of the Uganda Electoral Commission, FDC Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi clarified that Mr. Eigu remains the party’s duly nominated candidate and cannot withdraw from the race at will after nomination.

The party’s position follows a letter from the Electoral Commission dated December 23, 2025, and an earlier communication from Mr. Eigu Daniel dated December 22, 2025, in which he indicated his intention to step aside from the contest.

FDC based its decision on Section 36(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, which restricts candidates from withdrawing once they have been validly nominated. According to the party, the law leaves no room for unilateral withdrawal at that stage of the electoral process.

Mr. Eigu Daniel is our nominated candidate for Soroti County Constituency, Soroti District, and cannot withdraw at will as per the provisions of the Parliamentary Elections Act, the letter states.

Reports circulating online suggest that Mr. Eigu’s decision to withdraw was influenced by his public declaration to support the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, citing the need for unity and development in Soroti and the wider Teso sub-region. However, FDC maintains that such political considerations do not override the legal framework governing parliamentary elections.

The party has since confirmed that it will not withdraw Mr. Eigu Daniel from the race and will continue campaigning for him alongside other FDC candidates until January 15, 2026, when the campaign period officially ends.

Copies of the letter were shared with the FDC Party President, Mr. Eigu Daniel, and the Returning Officer for Soroti Electoral District, signaling the party’s commitment to transparency and adherence to electoral laws.

The decision adds a new dynamic to the Soroti County parliamentary contest as candidates intensify campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections, with political observers closely watching how the situation unfolds on the ground.