Chaos Over Nomination Fees as Three FDC Candidates Nominated in Sironko District
Sironko District – Three Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidates were nominated today amid chaos and controversy surrounding an unexpected increase in nomination fees. The candidates claimed the fee hike was imposed without their knowledge by district FDC leaders.
Earlier in the day, FDC aspirants eyeing the party flag for Budadiri West constituency in the upcoming 2026 general elections reported to the district FDC offices for nomination. However, they were shocked to learn that the nomination fee had been increased from the agreed amount of Shs100,000 to Shs500,000.
The nominated candidates include Ashraf Makwasi, Dr. Richard Kabala, and Amos Mugembe.
Before being nominated, Sharif Makwasi expressed dissatisfaction with the process, citing a lack of transparency and internal corruption among FDC officials in Sironko.
“We came with the money clearly indicated in the circulars sent from party headquarters, but the officers in charge of nomination refused to nominate us,” Makwasi stated.
According to Makwasi, official FDC circulars from the national secretariat stipulated that parliamentary aspirants were to pay Shs100,000, district/city chairpersons Shs50,000, and LC3/division mayors Shs20,000. However, the local leadership allegedly altered these figures without consultation or official communication.
In response, Moses Makoka, the FDC electoral supervisor for Sironko District, confirmed that the district FDC executive had met and passed a resolution to increase the fees. He explained that the adjustment was made to facilitate the smooth organization and running of the nomination process.
“The resolution stated that parliamentary aspirants would pay Shs500,000, district chairperson aspirants Shs500,000, and LC3 chairperson aspirants Shs50,000,” Makoka said.
Following an emergency meeting by the Sironko District FDC executive later in the day, the impasse was resolved, and the affected candidates were finally nominated.
After his nomination, Dr. Richard Kabala expressed gratitude and optimism, saying he is confident in securing the FDC flag.
“I have high hopes of getting the party flag. I promise to deliver better services to the people of Budadiri West,” Dr. Kabala stated.
Budadiri West has a total of eight aspirants vying for the FDC flag. As of today, four have been nominated. The remaining candidates are expected to complete the nomination process tomorrow, which
is the final deadline.
