Mafabi and Amuriat to contest for FDC presidential flag bearer

8 May 2025, 10:52 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As part of preparations for the 2026 general elections, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), based in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, yesterday held the final nomination exercise for party members aspiring to become the party’s presidential flag bearer. The contest is between the current party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, and the party’s Secretary General, Nathan Nandala Mafabi James. Both candidates have expressed confidence in their suitability for the position, with delegates set to decide in the coming weeks during the party’s delegates’ conference.

Amuriat, who was the FDC flag bearer in the 2021 presidential elections and finished among the top five candidates nationally, is seeking a second chance at the top slot. It is worth noting that the party constitution allows any credible member to stand as presidential flag bearer, regardless of whether they currently hold the position of party president.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have turned up today to witness this memorable occasion—an act that defines our democracy,” Amuriat said during his nomination speech. “I also want to thank my team for ensuring I was duly nominated. This may not feel like a typical election because, as far as I know, I am running against a good friend of mine—the Secretary General, Nathan Nandala Mafabi James. I kept praying he wouldn’t get nominated. In fact, as I stand here, I still consider myself unopposed.”

“You’re going to have a hard time choosing between the two of us. We’ve known each other for nearly 30 years. We’ve shared struggles, faced false accusations together, strategised side by side, and worked to ensure this political organisation remains alive. Never at any point have we abandoned each other. We’ve always moved forward together as brothers—and I believe we always will,” he added.

Amuriat went on to urge members to approach the upcoming election with calm and unity.

“I call on FDC members to remain sober-minded as these two gentlemen compete for the party’s flag. I’ve told my brother that I believe I am the better candidate. I also urge the Electoral Commission to be as fair as possible to maintain its credibility,” he said. “I propose that the Commission allow joint campaigns for the candidates, so we can collectively answer the important questions from our delegates. It would also reduce the time spent travelling across the country.”

Amuriat further recommended shortening the campaign period.

“I suggest we carry out this exercise over one month, rather than the usual three months. This would allow candidates to build momentum while ensuring party stability. I am confident that with proper timing and organisation, the FDC will deliver even stronger results in the 2026 elections,” he concluded.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) used the event to appeal to media houses in Uganda to restore their credibility, claiming they were biased against the party during the 2021 general elections.

“Media houses, clear your names in the upcoming elections. You did not treat us fairly in the 2021 general elections,” said Amuriat. “I know some of you will try to create a narrative of division in the party because Mafabi and I are both contesting. But I want to assure the media and everyone else that there will be no fracture in this party as a result of the presidential flag bearer race.”

He further addressed delegates expected at the upcoming delegates’ conference:

“I take this opportunity to ask you to consider that the man standing before you today is the most appropriate candidate for the 2026 elections. Thank you, and may God bless FDC and Uganda.”

In a similar spirit, Nathan Nandala Mafabi James, who was officially nominated by the Party Electoral Commission Chairperson, Toterebuka Boniface, under Article 29, Clause 2 (a) and (h) of the party constitution—which empowers the chairperson to declare any duly nominated member—thanked party members for their support.

Mafabi expressed his readiness to carry the party’s presidential flag.

“I am confident that I am the right candidate to represent FDC in the 2026 elections,” he stated.

The Party Electoral Commission reassured both FDC members and the general public that the nomination process would be free and fair. Of the three individuals who initially expressed interest, one failed to meet the nomination requirement of Ugandan Shillings 5 million.