Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) stalwart Nathan Nandala Mafabi has officially joined the 2026 presidential race, boldly declaring that President Yoweri Museveni’s decades-long rule must come to an end. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday morning before heading to the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Lweza for nomination, Nandala stressed that his campaign will be driven by unity rather than division. “I come with no hatred. We are entering this election with no antagonism toward anyone,” he said.
Acknowledging Museveni’s tenure, he remarked, “President Museveni has ruled for 40 years and we thank him, but he can’t move on. It’s my turn this time around.” He also challenged other opposition figures not to shy away from the race, saying, “Lukwago wanted to be President but sees himself as a Lord Mayor. I would be happy to see him or Ssemujju on the ballot standing for the Presidency.”
At about 9:30 a.m., Nandala’s team arrived at Lweza where he was successfully nominated. The EC provided him with a presidential vehicle, security detail, and the national voters’ register, marking the official start of his campaign. Running under the slogan “Fixing the Economy, Money in Your Pockets,” Nandala promised to prioritize economic transformation. “I am standing to fix the economy. When President Museveni came, he said he wanted to fix security. Now security is done—I have come to fix the economy,” he said.
He pledged to confront corruption, poverty, governance challenges, and Uganda’s mounting debt, while strengthening agriculture, health, and education. His commitment, he emphasized, is to deliver practical solutions that improve the daily lives of ordinary Ugandans. Reflecting on the 2021 elections, Nandala criticized the militarization of politics and demanded equal and fair security provisions for all contenders in 2026.
Despite internal divisions within the FDC, Nandala expressed optimism about opposition unity. He called on all parties and factions to participate fully in the election, ensuring Ugandans have a genuine choice at the ballot box. Later today, he is expected to hold his first rally at Kampala Playground in Butabika Parish, Nakawa Division, where supporters eagerly await his message of economic revival and inclusive leadership.
