A major leadership shift has rocked the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s main opposition parties, after Patrick Oboi Amuriat officially resigned as party president, clearing the way for Nathan Nandala Mafabi to become the party’s presidential candidate for the 2026 general elections.
The surprise resignation followed high-level closed-door meetings within the party on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
According to sources close to the FDC top leadership, the decision was a result of internal consensus aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the heated presidential race.
“As a result of Tuesday’s emergency meeting, top FDC leaders agreed that Amuriat should step down to allow Mafabi to carry the presidential flag,” a party insider told our reporter on condition of anonymity.
FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo officially confirmed the transition during a press briefing on Wednesday, July 30, at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
“After careful consideration and broad consultations, we are proud to announce Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi as our presidential flag bearer for 2026. He brings experience, vision, and renewed momentum for the FDC,” Kikonyogo stated.
Nandala Mafabi, the long-serving MP for Budadiri West since 2001, is a seasoned politician with deep roots in the FDC. He has won five consecutive elections, most recently with an overwhelming 85% of the vote.
Within the FDC, he has held various senior roles, including Leader of Opposition in Parliament and party Secretary-General. His rise to become the presidential flag bearer is seen by many as a natural progression in his political career.
Mafabi now joins a growing list of 2026 presidential contenders, including, President Yoweri Museveni of the ruling NRM (National Resistance Movement), Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) of the National Unity Platform (NUP), And Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, recently nominated by the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT).
Mafabi’s nomination also signals a new strategic direction for the FDC, especially after key founding members like Dr. Kizza Besigye and others left the party to form the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
With both the FDC and PFF now fronting separate presidential candidates, analysts warn that the fragmentation of the opposition could play directly into the hands of the ruling party.
“A divided opposition helps President Museveni. If opposition parties don’t unite, the chances of removing the NRM through elections become even smaller,” said a political observer in Kampala.
The situation has left many opposition supporters feeling uncertain and frustrated, as the lack of unity reduces the chances of a serious challenge to Museveni’s decades-long grip on power.
Amuriat’s resignation and Mafabi’s rise mark a turning point for the FDC. Whether this move strengthens or weakens the broader opposition movement remains to be seen. What is clear is that the 2026 election is shaping up to be one of Uganda’s most competitive and fragmented yet.
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