Mbale, Uganda: The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has officially declared his intention to run for President of Uganda in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during a live radio broadcast on Elgon FM in Mbale City on Tuesday evening, Nandala confirmed that he will contest under the FDC party flag, joining the growing list of opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling NRM’s long-standing grip on power.
“It is no longer a secret. Over the years, we have been preparing for this moment. I am now officially declaring my intention to run for President of Uganda in 2026,” he said. “With God, all things are possible. Uganda deserves better leadership.”
Currently serving as Member of Parliament for Budadiri West, Nandala is on a countrywide mobilization tour alongside FDC party president Hon. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, with the duo engaging in early grassroots consultations aimed at revitalizing the party’s structures ahead of the 2026 elections.
In his declaration, Nandala framed his bid as a patriotic mission. “Let us learn to embrace our own and uplift our people. I am coming out to protect, promote, and defend our identity,” he said, urging Ugandans to trust indigenous leadership and restore national pride.
Nandala, who first entered Parliament at the age of 32, has maintained a stronghold in his home constituency for over two decades. He thanked the people of Budadiri West and the wider Bagisu community for their unwavering support, saying it has formed the backbone of his rise in national politics.
“The people of Bugisu stood with me when I was unknown. It is their confidence that gave me the platform to now stand and ask the entire nation for support,” he said.
With his declaration, Nandala becomes one of the earliest opposition figures to publicly announce a presidential bid ahead of 2026. His entry is expected to reenergize FDC’s electoral base and widen the opposition field as the country anticipates a tough race against President Yoweri Museveni, who is widely expected to seek another term.
FDC has not yet held its delegates’ conference to endorse a flag bearer, but party insiders say Mafabi’s move has already shifted internal momentum in his favour.
Further announcements regarding his campaign team, roadmap, and policy platform are expected in the coming weeks.
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