Uganda elections: FDC party confirms Nandala Mafabi as presidential candidate for 2026
Party insiders confirmed the decision on Tuesday, with a public announcement expected at a press briefing scheduled for Wednesday.
Uganda’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has selected its secretary-general, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, as its presidential flag bearer for the 2026 general election, following tense internal negotiations that led to the resignation of party president Patrick Amuriat.
According to The Monitor, party insiders confirmed the decision on Tuesday, with a public announcement expected at a press briefing scheduled for Wednesday.
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"It's true, Nandala is our party flag bearer and he will be announced to the public today," a senior party official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The decision reportedly came after weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions led by party elders, who sought to unify the party ahead of the upcoming election.
Talks intensified during a recent elders' meeting in Mbale, Eastern Uganda, where senior figures from the Teso and Bugisu regions urged Amuriat to step aside in favour of Mafabi to avoid internal divisions.
Amuriat, who previously contested President Yoweri Museveni in the disputed and violent 2021 elections, was reportedly persuaded to withdraw to prevent a split in the party’s vote.
"All I can say is that Nandala is our man and that is it. For the details, wait for the official party communication during the press briefing," the insider added.
Mafabi will now face a competitive field, including incumbent President Museveni, recently endorsed by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to seek another term.
Museveni, in power since 1986, is aiming to extend his rule beyond four decades.
Also in the race are National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and retired Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, who was nominated last week by the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
Uganda’s next general elections are slated for early 2026, with political parties finalising their candidates in what is expected to be a closely watched and highly competitive race.
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