- By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of sidelining the opposition in making changes in the 2026 general elections roadmap.
Addressing a press briefing at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala on Monday, FDC Deputy Secretary for Publicity (Documentation and Publication), Mulindwa Walid Lubega, said the changes have disrupted internal party preparations and grassroots mobilisation.
Last Thursday, EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama announced fresh amendments to the electoral roadmap, the third revision in the 2026 polls schedule.
According to the revised roadmap, nomination dates for the 2025/2026 elections are as follows; Local Government nominations will now be held in phases: District and City (Sept 3–5), Municipality and City Division (Sept 8–10), and Sub-County/Town/Municipal Division (Sept 11–24, excluding weekends).
Forms will be available from August 11 at District/City EC offices, with District Chairperson forms also downloadable online.
Parliamentary nominations are set for October 15–16, 2025, with forms available online from August 11.
Collection of nomination forms and supporter forms for Presidential aspirants have commenced today, Monday 11th August , 2025 in person at EC headquarters and will close on September 24.
However, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) says the changes disrupts political parties’ preparations for electoral activities.
“The sporadic adjustments affect the party’s internal arrangements since our roadmap was crafted in line with the EC’s earlier programme,” Mulindwa said. “Every time the electoral commission adjusts its program, we also adjust, including candidate selection and financial planning.”
He accused the EC of excluding political parties from the decision-making process, claiming the changes were made without consulting key stakeholders.
“It is inordinate for the EC to undertake such adjustments without our input because we are key players in this,” he said, warning that the limited time left could undermine the credibility of the 2026 elections.
Mulindwa further alleged that the commission was “conniving with the ruling government” to tilt the playing field, and urged the adoption of a fixed electoral calendar similar to the United States, where election dates are constitutionally set.
In the US, citizens know the election season every four years. FDC argued that this democratic practice would enable the EC to plan and execute activities without political interference.
“The Electoral Commission under Byabakama should follow this, such that we have a clear roadmap, which is not subject to change as when the NRM wishes,” Mulindwa noted.
The opposition party also announced plans to officially launch its 2026 election manifesto and unveil its presidential flag bearer, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi James, during a special National Council meeting on August 13, 2025, at the party headquarters.
