MBALE – The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party is gearing up to select its presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections. Thousands of FDC supporters held a procession from Busamaga in Sironko district to Nakaloke, led by party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat. The procession made its way through Mbale City, culminating in a large gathering at the Cricket Ground.
Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the FDC Secretary General, addressed the enthusiastic crowd, alongside FDC party chairperson Jack Sabiiti. Sabiiti assured the supporters that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) would soon convene to determine whether Nathan Nandala Mafabi or Patrick Amuriat will be the party’s flag bearer for the 2026 presidential elections. This announcement was made on June 29, 2024, during the event aimed at mobilizing supporters for digital registration.
The vibrant procession saw thousands of FDC supporters waving placards, painting Mbale city blue, and dancing to the rhythms of local kadodi drums. The peaceful demonstration was filled with chants calling for unity and a peaceful transfer of power. Supporters also contributed funds to support the party’s activities as Nandala prepares for the presidential race.
Sabiiti’s remarks came in response to party members urging him to persuade the current FDC President, Patrick Amuriat, to step aside for Nandala in the upcoming elections. He emphasized that the party’s top body is prepared to address the issue transparently and select a flag bearer without internal conflict.
“We have heard your call, and the party CEC will convene a meeting within one week to discuss the matter of the 2026 presidential party flag bearer,” Sabiiti said. He further highlighted Nandala Mafabi’s qualifications, asserting that he is well-suited to be the party’s flag bearer and appear on the ballot paper. Sabiiti expressed gratitude to the Bagisu community for producing a leader like Nandala, describing him as “presidential material without a doubt.”
FDC president Patrick Oboi Amuriat emphasized the importance of uniting all opposition parties to confront their common challenges with one voice. He highlighted the need for opposition unity to address the current political landscape and expressed confidence that FDC could forge a working partnership with other parties.
“Yesterday, it was FDC that was harassed, today it is NUP; this calls for unity in the opposition because you cannot tell who is next,” Amuriat said. “Opposition unity from top to bottom is very necessary. We need to sensitise the public on this.”
Amuriat praised Nandala as a strong, well-educated, corruption-free, and honest individual who wishes others well and loves his country and people. He called upon Ugandans, especially those in Bugisu, to support Nandala, adding that Teso is ready to give its support if Nandala carries the party flag in 2026.
Attempts to forge political unity and coalitions in Uganda in the recent past have either failed from the start or collapsed before their goals could be attained. However, Amuriat expressed confidence that this unity can be achieved by FDC, despite the party facing a bitter internal divide.
FDC Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi thanked the Bagisu community for their unwavering support for the FDC party. He urged supporters to remain united and focused, and to register so they can effectively oppose the government of President Museveni.
“Very many people have been saying that the FDC party is no more. Let them use these clear pictures to stop spreading their harmful propaganda,” Nandala said. “I am also calling upon you to remain united and focused. Please go and register so that we can be able to fight the oppressive government of President Museveni.”
