Kampala, Uganda – Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA), the current President of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has officially withdrawn from the party’s presidential race and endorsed party Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi as the new flag bearer.
The announcement, made at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, puts an end to weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations that had divided party loyalists and intensified internal debates over the party’s leadership direction.
“In the interest of unity and continuity within the party, I have chosen to step aside in favour of my colleague Hon. Nandala Mafabi,” said Amuriat in a press briefing attended by top FDC officials and regional coordinators.
“We must present a solid front to challenge the regime come 2026.”
Following Amuriat’s withdrawal, Nathan Nandala Mafabi was officially confirmed as the FDC presidential flag bearer for the 2026 elections. Mafabi, a long-serving MP for Budadiri West and one of the founding members of the party, accepted the endorsement with a vow to reinvigorate the opposition’s political base.
“FDC is not broken; it is transforming. I accept this responsibility with humility and the resolve to restore hope to Ugandans who are yearning for change,” Mafabi said.
“Our strategy will be grassroots-driven, and our campaign will focus on equity, service delivery, and fighting state corruption.”
The announcement positions Mafabi as one of the key opposition contenders for the presidency, alongside other potential candidates from NUP, ANT, and potentially independent formations.
Amuriat’s decision comes at a time when the FDC is navigating deep internal tensions, especially following accusations of parallel party structures and alleged infiltration by regime agents.
Over the past year, factions have emerged within the party, one loyal to Amuriat and Mafabi, and another aligned with founding leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has since distanced himself from party affairs and later formed a new political part known as the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF) lead by the Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Political analysts see the move as an attempt by the Mafabi faction to consolidate control over the party and reposition FDC ahead of the 2026 election calendar, where early preparation is key to competing with better-financed rivals such as the ruling NRM and the rapidly growing NUP.
The development has sparked mixed reactions across Uganda’s political landscape. Some civil society actors welcomed the unity gesture, while others questioned the transparency of the process.
“This move is politically strategic, but it will be judged by how inclusive and participatory it truly is,” said Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance.
Others within the FDC base expressed cautious optimism. “We just want a candidate who can deliver results. Whether it’s Mafabi or Amuriat, the goal is to end the Museveni regime,” said a delegate from Mbale.
Party insiders say a National Delegates Conference will be held soon to ratify campaign structures and appoint regional coordinators to steer the campaign machinery.
As Uganda’s political clock ticks toward the 2026 elections, the opposition terrain is beginning to take shape and FDC, despite recent internal wrangles, now has a confirmed face at the top of its ticket.
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