The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has endorsed Nathan Nandala Mafabi as its presidential flagbearer for the 2026 general elections following the withdrawal of Patrick Amuriat Oboi.
The announcement came after a closed-door meeting at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi, where party elders and top leaders convened to foster unity after the tense delegates’ conference held last week. The meeting, which brought together the two leading contenders—Amuriat and Mafabi—focused on reconciliation, mutual respect, and the need to field a single candidate to strengthen the party’s front.
In a statement confirming his decision, Patrick Amuriat said:
"I have therefore taken the decision to step down and support Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi as our Flagbearer. For unity. For progress. For the good of the party."
Party insiders say the elders, especially from the Bugisu and Teso sub-regions, played a critical role in persuading Amuriat to step aside. Their mediation efforts aimed to avoid a repeat of previous primary fallouts that had led to internal divisions and defections.
The party’s National Executive Committee later convened to ratify the decision and formally endorse Mafabi, who now leads the FDC’s charge against a field of candidates that includes incumbent President Yoweri Museveni (NRM), Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu (ANT), and others.
Nandala Mafabi, the long-serving Secretary General of the FDC and MP for Budadiri West, previously served as Leader of the Opposition and chaired key parliamentary committees, earning him wide recognition across the country.
A party official who attended the meeting remarked:
“It’s true, Nandala is our party flagbearer and he will be announced to the public.”
FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo earlier emphasized the need for consensus, stating that unity was the top priority:
“If we go into elections divided, we weaken ourselves. Our goal was to ensure we have one candidate before the delegates' vote.”
With Mafabi at the helm, FDC now shifts focus to mobilization and message consolidation as it seeks to regain its place as a dominant force in Uganda’s opposition politics. The party plans to unveil a national campaign roadmap and intensify grassroots engagement in the coming months.
This development is seen as a major strategic move by the FDC to consolidate support and realign itself ahead of a heated 2026 presidential contest.
