The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General, James Nathan Nandala Mafabi, was formally nominated at 10:25am on Wednesday, becoming the fourth presidential candidate for Uganda’s January 2026 elections.
Accompanied by his wife, Flora, Mafabi was assigned a security detail and a campaign vehicle before addressing supporters.
He pledged to leverage his extensive experience in cooperative society leadership to revive Uganda’s cooperative movement, improve livelihoods, and restore democratic governance.
"I come with experience in the cooperative world, and I will ensure that cooperative societies function effectively," Mafabi said. "This will enable the people of Uganda to earn a decent living."
This marks Mafabi’s first bid for the highest executive office in Uganda. His party previously fielded Dr. Kizza Besigye and, in Besigye’s absence, Patrick Amuriat, who took the mantle in earlier elections.
Mafabi, hailing from Bugisu, now joins Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party and Elton Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party in the race to challenge incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for over 40 years.
Later on Wednesday, the National Unity Platform’s Robert Kyagulanyi is expected to file his nomination at 2:pm, marking his second attempt to defeat Museveni, who came to power in 1986 after a protracted guerrilla campaign in Luweero.
Despite acknowledging Museveni’s role in restoring peace and stability in Uganda, Mafabi criticized the current administration’s handling of the economy, asserting that it requires leadership from a trained economist.
"As President, if you give me the mandate, coffee—our leading foreign exchange earner—will receive the best support and be valued properly for the good of our country," he said.
