FDC Endorses Nandala Mafabi as 2026 Presidential Flagbearer, Amuriat Steps Aside
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s oldest opposition party, has officially endorsed Nathan Nandala Mafabi as its presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections, marking a pivotal shift in the party’s leadership strategy. The decision, announced at a press briefing at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, follows the withdrawal of party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat from the presidential race, who has pledged his full support for Mafabi’s candidacy.The endorsement comes after weeks of intense internal consultations aimed at unifying the party and strengthening its position ahead of the 2026 polls. Amuriat, who ran as the FDC’s candidate in the 2021 elections, stepped aside following negotiations with party elders and grassroots coordinators, citing the need for party unity and a fresh face to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). “After engaging with our supporters and reflecting on the path forward, I am confident that Nandala Mafabi is the leader to carry the hopes of millions of Ugandans seeking change,” Amuriat said during the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Mafabi, the long-serving Member of Parliament for Budadiri West and FDC Secretary General, brings a wealth of experience to the candidacy. A seasoned economist, lawyer, and accountant, Mafabi has been a vocal advocate for governance reform, fiscal transparency, and equitable development. His strong regional base in Eastern Uganda, particularly in Bugisu, is expected to bolster the FDC’s grassroots mobilization efforts. “This is not about me alone—it is about all Ugandans who believe our nation deserves better. Together, we can restore dignity, justice, and prosperity,” Mafabi declared, emphasizing unity and regime change as key pillars of his campaign.
The decision to endorse Mafabi was not without challenges. Earlier this year, the FDC faced internal divisions, with some members accusing Mafabi and Amuriat of mismanagement, leading to a split that saw the formation of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) by Dr. Kizza Besigye’s faction. However, party insiders describe Mafabi’s endorsement as a strategic move to heal these rifts and reposition the FDC as a formidable force against President Yoweri Museveni’s NRM, which has held power since 1986.
Mafabi’s candidacy adds a new dynamic to Uganda’s increasingly competitive opposition landscape. He joins other prominent figures, including Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform, Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation, and Mathias Mpuuga of the Democratic Front, in the race to challenge Museveni’s decades-long rule. Political analysts suggest that Mafabi’s financial acumen and parliamentary experience could appeal to voters seeking pragmatic leadership, though he will need to navigate a fragmented opposition to consolidate support.
The FDC plans to launch Mafabi’s campaign in the coming months with nationwide mobilization tours, focusing on key issues such as economic reform, anti-corruption measures, youth employment, and decentralization. As Uganda gears up for the 2026 elections, all eyes are on Mafabi to see if he can galvanize the opposition and present a credible alternative to the NRM’s dominance.
