Mbale, Uganda: Leaders in the Bamasaaba community have called for a block vote in support of Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who was officially nominated by the Electoral Commission (EC) on September 24 to contest for Uganda’s presidency on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket, becoming the first Umasaaba in history to vie for the nation’s highest office.
Nandala’s nomination has ignited pride and optimism in Bugisu Sub-region, with elders and opinion leaders challenging the Bamasaaba to rally behind him as a symbol of political recognition and regional identity.
Mr. Polly Mugoya, former FDC Chairman for Sironko District, said Nandala’s long political and professional track record positions him as a credible candidate.
“He has served as MP for Budadiri West since 2001, chaired key parliamentary committees including PAC and National Economy, and represented Uganda internationally. His background as an economist, accountant, and former Chairman of Bugisu Cooperative Union gives him the experience to steer this country effectively,” Mugoya told DailyExpress in an exclusive interview.
He added: “Among the candidates, only Museveni can rival him in experience, but the President has failed Ugandans on corruption for 40 years. Uganda needs radical change, and Nandala is the man to deliver it. He is dynamic, functional, and not tired.”
Nandala, 59, was born on January 17, 1966, in Busamaga Village, Sironko District. He studied at Mbale Secondary School and Busoga College Mwiri before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics and Economics from Makerere University. He later pursued accountancy and tax administration qualifications in Uganda and Kenya.
Political commentators have noted that Bugisu has historically shaped Uganda’s politics, with the Bugisu Cooperative Union playing a central role during independence negotiations. Nandala’s entry into the presidential race, they argue, reawakens that legacy.
Mr. Yahudu Kitunzi from Butaleja District said Nandala’s candidacy has given the Bamasaaba “a sense of political recognition on the national stage,” while independent parliamentary aspirant Wamboko Kituno criticized him, claiming he had failed to deliver for Bugisu despite holding influential positions.
The EC cleared eight candidates for the 2025/2026 presidential elections following nominations presided over by EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama at the Lweza-Lubowa grounds in Wakiso District. Campaigns officially start on September 29, 2025.
The Eight Cleared Candidates include;
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (NRM): Seeking a seventh term, Museveni is fronting a campaign anchored on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and anti-corruption. In power since 1986, his leadership faces criticism over authoritarian tendencies and human rights concerns.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu – Bobi Wine (National Unity Platform – NUP): A prominent opposition leader and former pop star, running on an anti-corruption and good governance platform. His campaign appeals strongly to Uganda’s youthful and urban electorate.
Nandala Mafabi (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC); a veteran opposition figure, is promising institutional accountability, transparency, and stronger democratic reforms while former FDC leader and retired Gen. Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation – ANT) advocates for national unity, inclusive development, and a peaceful transition of power.
On the other hand, Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga, formerly of the FDC, is carrying the flag for the newly formed Common Man’s Party (CMP) with a spirited push for constitutional reforms, civil liberties, and accountable governance.
Also on the ballot is Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party – NPP), who is pushing for agrarian reforms, rural empowerment, and decentralization of agricultural policies, while his counterpart, Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party – CP), is campaigning on conservative values and traditional social policies.
The final and eight candidate is Frank Kabinga Bulira (Revolutionary Peoples Party – RPP), whose campaign is focused on political and economic reforms, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
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