By Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General James Nathan Nandala Mafabi was on Wednesday formally nominated as a presidential candidate for Uganda’s 2026 general elections, making his first bid for the country’s top office and promising to revive cooperative societies as a cornerstone for economic empowerment.
Mafabi, who arrived at the Electoral Commission headquarters at 10:25 a.m. alongside his wife, Flora, became the fourth candidate to be cleared. After his nomination, he was assigned a security detail and a campaign vehicle, in line with election regulations.
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“I come with experience in the cooperative world, and I will ensure that cooperative societies function effectively,” Mafabi told supporters. “This will enable the people of Uganda to earn a decent living.”
The Bugisu-born politician said his campaign will also focus on restoring democratic governance and uplifting ordinary Ugandans through inclusive economic policies.
Mafabi’s nomination marks a new chapter for FDC, which in previous elections fielded Dr. Kizza Besigye and, later, Patrick Amuriat as presidential flag bearers.
He now joins Robert Kasibante (NPP), Elton Joseph Mabirizi (CP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (NUP), Gen. Mugisha Muntu (ANT), and incumbent President Yoweri Museveni (NRM) in what is shaping up to be a hotly contested race.
The Electoral Commission confirmed that eight candidates are so far on the ballot, with official presidential campaigns slated to kick off on September 29, 2025, running until January 2026.
