A group of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members from Uganda’s Ankole sub-region have thrown their support behind the party’s Secretary General, Nandala Mafabi, urging him to run for president in the upcoming 2026 general elections.

Speaking during a press conference in Mbarara City on Thursday, the members highlighted Mafabi’s vast leadership experience, strong educational background, and expertise in economic policy as key reasons for their endorsement.

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“As representatives from different districts in Ankole, we’ve come together to unanimously support Nandala Mafabi’s presidential bid for 2026,” said Evas Abeneitwe, Special Presidential Envoy and aspiring Mbarara City Woman MP. “His qualifications and track record in governance and economic management, both nationally and internationally, make him an ideal candidate.”

The endorsement comes amid internal tensions within the FDC, which have led to factional splits. When asked about Mafabi’s involvement, supporters defended him, attributing the divisions to internal misunderstandings amplified by external opportunists.

“People who label Mafabi as divisive simply don’t know him,” said Abeneitwe. “The disagreements were like family issues—misunderstood and misrepresented by outsiders. Mafabi remains principled and focused.”

Mbarara-based FDC member Innocent Turyamureeba echoed the endorsement, citing Mafabi’s contributions as MP for Budadiri West, former Leader of the Opposition, and his previous roles with the World Bank, Uganda Revenue Authority, and Bugisu Cooperative Union.

“We believe he is the right person to lead this country. Mafabi listens to the people and acts on their concerns,” Turyamureeba said.

Responding to claims that the FDC lacks support in Ankole, a region traditionally dominated by the ruling NRM, another member, Jordan Amanya, pushed back, affirming the party’s grassroots presence.

“FDC is alive and well in Ankole. We’ve even prepared a cow to gift our candidate in appreciation and encouragement. Anyone who doubts our support here is simply out of touch,” Amanya stated.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, most political parties are yet to officially unveil their presidential candidates.

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