By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Elders from the Teso and Bugisu regions have resolved that Patrick Amuriate Oboi, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president, should step down in favour of Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the party’s general secretary, for the position of party president.
This resolution was made during a joint meeting between elders from both regions, held at Mountain Inn Hotel on Saturday, 12th July, 2025.
According to Wilson Maberi, an elder from Sironko district in the Bugisu region, the two leaders were consulted before the meeting and agreed to abide by the elders’ decision.
He says the purpose of the meeting was to prevent further divisions within the party due to internal elections.
Charles Okello, an elder from the Kumi Teso sub-region, noted that past party elections have often resulted in splits, citing the example of Betty Kamya, who left the party after losing the position of Secretary General.
Okello expressed concerns that another party election for the presidency could lead to further divisions.
Emusu Ediegu, an elder from Kaberamaido district, stated that Amuriat stepping aside for Nandala would allow the party to rally behind a single candidate and potentially reclaim the presidency. Ediegu suggested that Amuriat could take on other roles within the party to support his colleague.
Ahammad Wandenga, a religious leader from the Eastern region, emphasized the importance of peace in the region and his desire to see Amuriat step aside.
He noted that elders from Teso would consult with Amuriat, while those from Bugisu would consult with Nandala, to reach a common understanding.
Notably, both Patrick Amuriat Oboi and Nathan Nandala Mafabi had picked nomination forms to run for the party presidency on July 30.
