Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential aspirant Nathan Nandala Mafabi has officially launched his campaign, declaring that he enters the race without bitterness or hostility. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday morning before heading to the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Lweza for nomination, he said, “I come with no hatred. We are coming into this election with no antagonism toward anyone.”
Nandala acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni’s lengthy rule, noting, “President Museveni has ruled for 40 years and we thank him, but he can’t move on.” He insisted that Ugandans can trust him to deliver socio-economic transformation and raise living standards across the country.
Turning to the opposition, Nandala openly mocked rival leaders Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, challenging them to step up to the presidential race. “Where are the likes of Lukwago and Ssemujju? I wish to see them standing for presidency. They take themselves intelligent for nothing,” he said. He added that Lukwago had once expressed presidential ambition but continues to limit himself to mayoral politics. “I would be happy to see him or Ssemujju on the ballot standing for the Presidency,” he said.
Nandala’s nomination came at around 9:30 a.m., when the FDC team arrived at Lweza. The Electoral Commission successfully nominated him, providing a presidential vehicle, security detail, and a copy of the national voters’ register, formally launching his campaign. His slogan, “Fixing the Economy, Money in Your Pockets,” underscores his central promise. “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,” Nandala declared.
He pledged to confront Uganda’s pressing challenges, including corruption, poverty, debt, governance failures, and weaknesses in agriculture, health, and education. His campaign, he said, will focus on practical solutions that directly improve the lives of ordinary Ugandans.
Reflecting on the 2021 elections, Nandala criticized the militarization of politics, recalling how the FDC’s presidential candidate at the time was arrested and even nominated without shoes. He urged authorities to guarantee equal security for all contenders this time to ensure a fair and peaceful process.
Although the FDC has faced internal turmoil, with divisions fueled by allegations of State House money infiltrating the party, Nandala expressed optimism that the opposition can still present a united front.
He is expected to hold his first rally this afternoon at Kampala Playground in Butabika Parish, Nakawa Division. Supporters are eagerly awaiting his address, which is expected to set the tone for a campaign centered on economic revival, fairness, and inclusive leadership.
