A section of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members in the Ankole sub-region has endorsed the party’s Secretary General, Nandala Mafabi, to contest for the presidency in the 2026 general election.
During a press briefing held in Mbarara City on Thursday, the members cited Mafabi’s extensive experience in leadership, education, and economic policy as key reasons for backing his presidential bid.
“As FDC members representing various districts in Ankole, we have gathered here to unanimously endorse Nandala Mafabi to stand for President of Uganda in 2026,” said Evas Abeneitwe, the Special Presidential Envoy and Mbarara City Woman MP aspirant.
“We believe he is capable. His qualifications, leadership experience, and knowledge of Uganda’s economy—along with his international relations background—make him a suitable candidate,” she added.
The endorsement comes amid ongoing internal wrangles within the FDC that led to the party’s split into factions. Responding to questions about Mafabi’s role in the turmoil, members defended him, saying the disputes were internal and have been exaggerated by opportunists.
“If anyone thinks Nandala Mafabi is controversial, they don’t know him. What happened in FDC was like a marital disagreement—internal matters that opportunists tried to exploit. Mafabi is a clean and principled leader,” Abeneitwe said.
Innocent Turyamureeba, an FDC member from Mbarara City, also backed the endorsement, noting Mafabi’s leadership record as MP for Budadiri West, former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, and past roles at the World Bank, URA, and as Chairperson of the Bugisu Cooperative Union.
“He has the capability to lead Uganda. We’re confident he won’t decline the endorsement because he listens to the people and is driven by their power,” Turyamureeba said.
Addressing concerns about FDC’s support in the Ankole sub-region—a perceived NRM stronghold—Jordan Amanya dismissed such claims, insisting the party has grassroots backing.
“FDC has support here in Ankole. We’ve even prepared a gift a cow for our candidate, which we will soon deliver to him. Those who think FDC has no support in this region need to wake up,” Amanya said.
As Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections, most political parties have yet to publicly announce their presidential candidates.