Amuriat,Mafabi Nominated for 2026 FDC Presidential Flag bearer race

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has officially kicked off its internal electoral process for the 2026 presidential elections, with two prominent party members receiving nominations to contest for the coveted flag bearer position.

The Electoral Commission, led by Chairperson Toterebuka Bamwenda, confirmed the nominations of Secretary General Nandala Mafabi and Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat.

The nomination event was marked by a spirit of both competition and unity, with both candidates pledging to conduct a clean and respectful campaign.

Nandala Mafabi, upon his nomination, emphasised the need for party unity and strategic planning. "I plead with you. Allow me to go and pick for you.

You stay home, and when I come back. We need to preserve you for tomorrow, POA (Patrick Oboi Amuriat), you are my elder brother. Send me," Mafabi stated, highlighting the importance of Amuriat's continued presence at the party headquarters.

He further articulated his commitment to the party, saying, "It is important to preserve the older ones. You can sacrifice me, but for you, we still need you.

We plead that you stay at the headquarters and allow me to go to the field." Bbumba, another potential candidate, reportedly withdrew in favor of Mafabi. Mafabi also said “I know no boundaries. I have no hate.”

Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the incumbent FDC president, also accepted his nomination, emphasising the party's dedication to internal democracy.

"We have ensured that this political organisation stays alive," Amuriat stated, reflecting on the party's resilience. He acknowledged the shared challenges he and Mafabi have faced, saying, "I and Nandala have not abandoned each other even in the storm."

Amuriat called for a sober and respectful campaign, revealing, "I called Nandala and told him we are going to run a sober election.

No bad language, no mudslinging. Whoever loses will offer support to the winner." He also recalled the difficult 2021 election period, stating, “I was around in 2021 during a time when there was a wave when no one wanted to hold the flag.

When we had been demonised and reduced almost to nothing. I was here when people doubted that we would score 1%.”

Amuriat further highlighted the FDC's unique position in Ugandan politics, stating, "FDC is the only party that upholds internal democracy, where the presidential flag bearer is not predetermined, unlike in other parties."

Following his nomination, Amuriat symbolically handed over office responsibilities to the Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, committing to serve the party's objectives.

Kaps Fungaroo expressed his expectation that Mafabi would also step aside from his current role during the nomination process.

"FDC staggered but stabilised. You might appear like you are falling but dodging a blow. We are now ready to take over. FDC is ready to take charge of Uganda," Kaps Fungaroo declared optimistically.

Party National Chairman Jack Sabiti cautioned against any mishandling of the electoral process. "There are people who come as a joke and mishandle systems. Handle the election to the latter.

Look at the constitution clearly and follow it. I wish you success, and let's treat candidates as equal. Don't show bias," Sabiti advised the Electoral Commission.

The nomination of Mafabi and Amuriat sets the stage for an internal party contest that will determine who will carry the FDC flag in the upcoming 2026 national elections.

The candidates' commitment to a clean campaign and the party's emphasis on internal democracy will be closely watched in the lead-up to the flag bearer selection.

No bad language, no mudslinging. Whoever loses will offer support to the winner." He also recalled the difficult 2021 election period, stating, “I was around in 2021 during a time when there was a wave when no one wanted to hold the flag