Bad News for Museveni as Another Top Opposition Leader Declares 2026 Presidential Bid To Unseat Him

Budadiri West MP and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the 2026 presidential race.His candidacy was confirmed by Soroti West MP Jonathan Ebwalu, who disclosed that Mafabi’s team is expected to pick presidential nomination forms on Wednesday morning.

The announcement marks a significant moment for both the opposition and Uganda’s political landscape.

Mafabi, a long-serving legislator and seasoned economist, has been a key player in the FDC since its early years.

Known for his firm stance on accountability and economic justice, he brings years of political experience, having previously served as the Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

Mafabi’s entry into the race comes at a time when the FDC is seeking to regain national traction following years of internal wrangles and declining influence.

His decision to contest was bolstered by the support of the party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who reportedly stepped aside to allow Mafabi to lead the FDC into the 2026 general election.

This endorsement is seen as a move to consolidate the party’s support base and present a united front against the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

The candidacy has already sparked excitement among FDC members and opposition supporters across the country.

In regions such as Ankole and West Nile, Mafabi’s supporters have rallied behind his campaign, citing his deep understanding of Uganda’s economic challenges and commitment to reform.

His supporters shows his background in public finance, including previous roles at the Uganda Revenue Authority and World Bank-funded projects.

However, Mafabi’s journey to the presidency is not without controversy.

Over the years, he has faced accusations of aligning with the NRM, claims he has consistently dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.

He has also had to navigate internal criticism from sections of the FDC that see him as too conservative or divisive.

Still, his decision to contest signals a desire to challenge long-standing power structures and offer Ugandans an alternative leadership vision.

With nomination preparations underway, his team is expected to roll out a nationwide campaign focused on governance reform, economic recovery, and restoring public trust in state institutions