The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has officially endorsed Simon Opoka, the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) flag bearer for the Laroo-Pece Division parliamentary seat, following the withdrawal of its own candidate from the race.

The decision comes shortly after Geoffrey Komakech, who had been fronted by FDC, stepped down from the fiercely contested parliamentary contest. According to FDC leaders in the Acholi sub-region, Komakech cited personal reasons for his decision.

Speaking on behalf of the FDC leadership and allied opposition parties in Acholi, Wilson Chagga Oyat, the party’s Secretary General for the region, announced that the endorsement was agreed upon during a joint meeting held on December 18, 2025.

“...On behalf of FDC and joint opposition political parties in Acholi land, yesterday the 18th of December, FDC leadership and management sat in Maliya Ward and resolved to endorse our brother Simon Opoka as the joint united opposition political party candidate...,” Oyat said.

Oyat revealed that 76 party members attended the meeting and formally signed documents endorsing Opoka’s candidature. He added that FDC structures in the Laroo-Pece Constituency have also been handed over to support Opoka’s mobilisation efforts. A similar cooperative arrangement, he noted, applies to independent Gulu City mayoral aspirant Marc Anthony Obonyo.

Although Komakech has not yet formally communicated his withdrawal to the Electoral Commission, his exit makes him the third candidate to pull out of the race. Independent candidates Caesar Lubangakene and Edward Odong had earlier withdrawn.

Oyat confirmed that official endorsement documents have already been handed to Opoka, clearing the way for him to intensify his campaigns.

Explaining the rationale behind the endorsement, Oyat said the move was intended to prevent fragmentation of opposition votes.

“FDC as a party has no candidate, and we cannot leave that gap to NRM. As opposition political parties, we thought it wise to rally behind a credible and saleable candidate, and we found that in Simon Opoka for directly elected Member of Parliament”. Said Oyat.

Opoka, who previously served as the Democratic Party’s vice national chairperson, crossed to UPC in November shortly before nominations. At the time, he accused his former party leadership of sidelining him in favour of party president General Norbert Mao.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Opoka welcomed the endorsement, describing it as a clear shift from political fragmentation to unity. He praised FDC’s grassroots structures, saying they bring proven mobilisation strength to his campaign.

He further disclosed that UPC and FDC plan to formalise their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding. According to Opoka, the joint platform will focus on supporting vulnerable groups, including girls born in abduction and young mothers pushed into early relationships due to poverty.

Attempts to reach Komakech for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated phone calls.

Opoka now faces stiff competition from his former party president General Norbert Mao, who currently serves as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. The contest is also expected to be intense between Mao, incumbent legislator Fr Charles Onen, and NRM candidate Tony Kitara.

Following the withdrawal of three contenders, the Laroo-Pece parliamentary race now has seven candidates. Other aspirants include Democratic Front (DF) candidate Samuel George Okello, as well as independents Charles Odokonyero and Wilfred Opobo.