How Nandala Mafabi’s Shs300m Offer Blocked Mass FDC Defection to Semujju Nganda’s PFF

A behind-the-scenes political strategy by FDC Secretary General Nandala Mafabi may have stopped a mass defection of MPs to the new Katonga-based Freedom and Unity Front, also known as the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), led by Ibrahim Semujju Nganda.According to insider sources, about 10 FDC Members of Parliament initially joined Semujju Nganda in launching the PFF, seeking to distance themselves from the Najjanankumbi-based faction led by Mafabi and party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA).

However, many other MPs who had expressed interest in joining the new party eventually changed their minds.

The biggest deterrent, sources reveal, was a financial promise. FDC’s leadership in Najjanankumbi allegedly promised each sitting MP Shs300 million from the anticipated Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) funding.

The condition was simple—stay loyal to the FDC and do not associate with Semujju Nganda’s Katonga faction or PFF.

The offer reportedly swayed several MPs from regions like Kasese, Acholi, and Teso, many of whom had initially signaled interest in joining Semujju but pulled back.

It’s believed that the influence of POA, a Teso native, and Mafabi—who is married to an Itesot woman—also discouraged Teso MPs from defecting, as they feared political backlash during the 2026 elections.

Notably, MPs like PP Okin, Denis Onekalit (Kitgum), and Atkins Katushabe were among those who initially aligned with Semujju but later returned to Najjanankumbi after internal discussions and the Shs300m incentive came into play.

There is growing speculation, however, about whether Najjanankumbi will honor its financial promise in full. Some insiders claim the MPs may end up receiving less than Shs100 million each if IPOD funds do not come through as expected.

President Museveni has already indicated willingness to release the remaining Shs35 billion of IPOD funds to all parties represented in Parliament. If implemented, this could secure the FDC’s share of about Shs5 billion, providing the resources needed to fulfil their pledge.

Meanwhile, delayed registration and limited momentum around PFF have also contributed to MPs’ reluctance to leave FDC, raising doubts about the future strength of the new party