The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has set the nomination fee for presidential candidates at Shs 5 million ahead of the 2026 general elections. The fee for parliamentary hopefuls, however, remains modest at Shs 100,000.
The announcement came during the release of FDC’s election roadmap at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
Presidential aspirants can pick up their nomination papers between April 30 and May 1, 2025. Nominations for the presidential flag bearer will be held on August 5 and 6, 2025.
The party will then embark on an extensive campaign period running from May 19 to July 29, 2025. A Delegates Conference will follow on July 31 to announce the party’s presidential candidate.
FDC’s Chief Electoral Commissioner, Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, addressed concerns over the nomination fee.
He explained that while the position of Member of Parliament is seen as lucrative, the relatively small fee for parliamentary candidates aims to cover administrative costs without creating barriers for potential leaders.
“The position of Member of Parliament is seen by many as a lucrative position, but that doesn’t mean we hike the nomination fees. The small fee is just meant to cover a few administrative costs,” Bamwenda said.
In contrast, the higher Shs 5 million fee for presidential hopefuls reflects the gravity of the position, as FDC prepares to compete vigorously in the 2026 race.
The nomination period for Members of Parliament, LC5 Chairpersons, and Municipality Mayors will run from June 9 to June 10, 2025.
Party primaries at all levels are set between June 26 and July 5, 2025. Any petition hearings related to primaries will take place from July 11 to July 20, 2025.
