By The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has formally endorsed Nathan Nandala Mafabi as its presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections following the withdrawal of party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat from the race.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, during a landmark party event that brought together the top leadership, elders, and members of the National Executive Committee. The move marked the culmination of weeks of high-stakes consultations aimed at preserving party unity and avoiding a costly internal election.
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In a passionate and emotional speech, Amuriat described his decision to withdraw as one made in the best interest of the party, not out of fear or weakness.
“This decision is not taken out of cowardice or fear of competition,” Amuriat declared. “It is taken to keep our party together and redirect resources from an internal election to supporting our candidates across the country for 2026.”
Amuriat went further to endorse Mafabi as the ideal candidate to carry the FDC’s flag, praising him as a resilient and generous leader with a proven track record.
“Nathan Nandala Mafabi represents resilience and has a big heart. I step down in his favour gladly, not with a heavy heart,” he said. “If there is just one person who will walk with you in this election, it is going to be me.”
Amuriat promised to fully support Mafabi throughout the campaign, calling for unity within the party and warning those who had left the FDC in recent years not to underestimate its strength. “The FDC will march forward,” he said. “Shame on those forming funny alliances. This is your answer—die in your own funeral.”
Mafabi, the FDC Secretary General and long-serving Member of Parliament for Budadiri West, expressed deep gratitude to Amuriat and the party for placing their trust in him. In his acceptance speech, Mafabi pledged to focus his campaign on rebuilding Uganda’s economy and restoring public services such as healthcare, education, and agriculture.
“My candidature comes to build bridges where there are none and repair those that are broken,” Mafabi said. “We shall fight poverty, fix the economy, and ensure money is in people’s pockets.”
Mafabi outlined key areas of his agenda, including combating corruption, reforming the education and health systems, and empowering cooperatives to lift communities out of poverty. He also emphasized unity and inclusivity, calling on Ugandans across the political divide to join his campaign for national renewal.
Party Chairman Jack Sabiiti, who presided over the event, praised both leaders for reaching consensus without conflict and officially cancelled the scheduled delegates conference.
“These are two visionary men,” Sabiiti noted. “Their agreement saved the party from internal divisions and huge election costs. We now move forward with one candidate.”
Sabiiti also announced that the FDC will hold a Special National Council on August 13 to formalize the flag bearer’s nomination and unveil the party’s manifesto.
The day marked a significant turning point for the FDC, with its leadership projecting a united front and a reinvigorated strategy for 2026. As the party now rallies behind Mafabi, the focus shifts to mobilizing grassroots support and challenging the status quo in the race for State House.
