Amuriat endorses Nandala Mafabi's presidential race in 2026

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, has weighed in on the potential presidential candidacy of Nathan Nandala Mafabi, a seasoned FDC leader and Secretary-General.

Amuriat praised Mafabi's competence, affirming his readiness for the country's top job, while emphasising the party's commitment to democratic processes as it prepares for the 2026 general elections.

Amuriat described Mafabi as a very competent leader who could be a good president for this country. His statement marks a significant endorsement for Mafabi, but Amuriat clarified that the race for the FDC’s presidential flag bearer is still open to all credible members of the party.

He stressed that the selection process would be fair and transparent, in line with the party's constitution, which includes vetting candidates and possibly holding primaries.

“The position for flag bearer of the FDC for the presidency of this country is wide open," Amuriat noted, highlighting the party's internal democratic credentials.

He affirmed that beyond just selecting a candidate, the FDC is focused on ensuring a consensus candidate who would be supported by the entire membership, strengthening the party’s unity.

In light of the upcoming elections, Amuriat outlined the FDC's strategic mobilisation efforts, revealing plans to hold a National Council meeting on October 17, 2024.

This meeting will bring together party chairpersons from across Uganda to deliberate on the party’s past activities and evaluate its recent nationwide tour, which covered seven sub-regions.

Amuriat explained that this assessment would guide the party's approach moving forward, particularly in deciding whether to continue mass rallies or adopt a more covert, localized strategy.

“We are going to make an evaluation and get to know the impact of our tour. It is then that we will decide on the way forward, whether to continue with the same approach or to go underground to prepare our candidates for the election of 2026,” Amuriat stated.

He hinted that the party might target regions where its support has waned with more covert efforts, while reserving mass rallies for areas where the FDC has a solid base.

Though tight-lipped on the specifics of the party’s election strategy, Amuriat assured that the FDC would roll out its plans at the appropriate time.

The aim is to maximize support in areas where the party has previously underperformed, positioning itself as a serious contender in the 2026 general elections.

When asked about the return of former FDC members who had aligned themselves with the Katonga group,a faction associated with party founder Dr. Kizza Besigye, Amuriat was clear that the party remains open to all citizens, including those who may have temporarily distanced themselves.

“There is a membership of the FDC, and the constitution of the FDC states exactly how you become a member,” Amuriat said, underscoring the importance of adhering to party regulations.

He warned, however, that returnees should not impose conditions on the FDC leadership, urging them to follow the proper e-registration system recently introduced by the party.

Amuriat used the opportunity to call on Ugandans to view the FDC as a party of choice for the upcoming elections, expressing confidence that the FDC would perform better in 2026 than it did in 2021.

He encouraged those interested in contesting under the FDC banner to begin mobilising support at the grassroots level, calling it crucial for the party’s success.

Amuriat’s statements signal a period of significant activity and preparation for the FDC, with a clear focus on internal unity, democratic processes, and strategic planning as the party gears up for the 2026 general elections.

The potential candidacy of Nandala Mafabi, a key figure within the FDC, could also bring renewed vigor and focus to the party’s presidential ambitions.