FDC Nominates Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi and Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat as Presidential Flagbearer Candidates for 2026 General Elections
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s leading opposition political parties, has officially nominated two prominent figures to contest for the party’s presidential flagbearer position ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s leading opposition political parties, has officially nominated two prominent figures to contest for the party’s presidential flagbearer position ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
In a significant development announced at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, the FDC Electoral Commission confirmed the nomination of Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the party’s Secretary General, and Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the incumbent Party President, as the two candidates who will vie for the party’s top ticket.
The nominations mark the beginning of an internal contest that will shape the FDC’s approach to the 2026 elections. Both candidates are seasoned political heavyweights with a deep history in the party and Ugandan politics.
According to the FDC Electoral Commission, the nomination exercise was conducted smoothly and in line with the party’s constitution and electoral guidelines. The successful nomination now paves the way for a nationwide campaign trail by the two candidates, during which they will engage with grassroots delegates, share their visions, and mobilize support ahead of the decisive Delegates' Conference set to be held in July this year.
Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, a long-serving Member of Parliament for Budadiri West and a renowned economist, is widely respected for his firm stance on public accountability and anti-corruption.
His candidacy signals a possible shift in the FDC's strategic direction, potentially appealing to a constituency that prioritizes fiscal discipline and governance reforms.
On the other hand, Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who was the FDC presidential flagbearer in the 2021 elections,
brings with him experience, grassroots appeal, and a tested commitment to the party’s ideals. His leadership has seen the FDC navigate turbulent political waters, and his decision to seek a second flagbearer mandate reflects his desire to consolidate gains made during his presidency.
The upcoming Delegates’ Conference in July will determine which of the two men will carry the FDC’s banner into the 2026 race. The conference is expected to attract hundreds of party delegates from across the country, making it a pivotal moment in the opposition’s preparations for what is likely to be a highly contested general election.
As the campaign for the flagbearership kicks off, both candidates are expected to outline their policy priorities, strategies for national transformation, and approaches to strengthening the party’s structures. Party insiders view the internal race as a healthy demonstration of democracy and a show of FDC’s commitment to internal party transparency.
Ugandans and political analysts alike will be watching closely as the FDC undergoes this critical phase of internal democracy, with hopes that the process will galvanize the party's base and position it as a formidable force in the national political arena ahead of 2026.
