KAMPALA, Uganda — Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the newly endorsed presidential candidate of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for Uganda’s 2026 general elections, has drawn significant criticism following his nomination today.
The announcement at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi came after incumbent FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat stepped aside to support Mafabi, a move intended to unify the opposition ahead of a challenging electoral race. However, the decision has sparked skepticism and disapproval from within the party and the broader Ugandan public.
Mafabi, a long-serving member of Parliament for Budadiri West with a background in accounting and law, expressed gratitude for the endorsement on X, pledging to “fix this economy” and lead Uganda toward prosperity. Yet, his nomination has been met with accusations of opportunism and allegations of ties to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Yoweri Museveni, who has governed Uganda since 1986.
Critics within the opposition were quick to voice their discontent. Solomon, a commentator on X, accused Mafabi of intending to “fix your pockets with NRM money,” suggesting his candidacy may serve personal interests. Gidongo Kevin, representing sentiments from the Bagisu community, apologized for Mafabi’s actions, comparing them to those of Norbert Mao, another opposition figure perceived as having compromised with the ruling party. These remarks reflect a growing narrative that Mafabi’s leadership could undermine the FDC’s credibility as a genuine opposition force.
The decision to select Mafabi also reignited debates about internal party dynamics and alleged financial scandals. Masawi Ivan urged Mafabi to “start with the money that made you guys separate with your comrades,” alluding to past rifts within the FDC, including disputes over funding. This criticism underscores concerns about transparency and accountability.
Beyond the FDC, the nomination has drawn mixed public reactions. A poll conducted by NCT Tomlin on X showed Mafabi trailing other contenders significantly, with only 40 votes compared to 141 for Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and 57 for Museveni. Prince Allan, a supporter from Buwalasi, congratulated Mafabi but controversially suggested he rally behind Bobi Wine, indicating a preference for the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader as a more viable challenger to Museveni. This highlights a broader perception that Mafabi’s candidacy may fragment the opposition vote.
Political analysts have also weighed in. Sarah Muwonge, a Kampala-based commentator, noted, “Mafabi’s selection risks alienating younger voters who see Bobi Wine as the face of change. The FDC’s move to unify may instead deepen divisions if it fails to address these criticisms head-on.” The timing, just months before the 2026 election campaign intensifies, has amplified calls for the FDC to clarify its strategy and rebuild trust.
Adding to the criticism is Mafabi’s past, including his role as a former leader of the opposition and his involvement in high-profile financial oversight roles. Critics point to his failure to prevent alleged mismanagement in institutions like the Bank of Uganda during the Crane Bank collapse as evidence of inconsistency, fueling skepticism about his ability to deliver on his economic reform promises, a cornerstone of his campaign slogan, “Fixing the Economy; Money in our Pockets.”
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has since described Uganda’s political climate as “from bad to worse” amid escalating repression.
