Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) supporters in Mbale have asked their party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, to step down for Budadiri West legislator Nandala Mafabi to hold the party flag in the 2026 presidential race.

The FDC supporters made the demand during the FDC mobilization rally that was held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Mbale Cricket Oval. Nandala’s presidential candidacy was the center of the talk at the rally.

FDC NEC Chairman Jack Sabiiti said he is going to take the request of the people of Bugisu seriously, adding that he is going to make further consultations in order to see how they can sell Nandala’s candidature.

“You, the people of Bugisu, should start thinking about the future of Bugisu. You have many people who have served this country. As the FDC chairman, I am going to take this matter of yours seriously. I am going to consult from western Uganda and see how we can sell your son,” he said.

Anna Adeke, the Soroti District woman MP, said they would continue to vote for the FDC in Soroti regardless of who the party fronts for the presidency. She said in case Nandala is fronted, they will vote for him as they did with Amuriat.

FDC party president Patrick Amuriat said Nandala can make a good president and that the people of Bugisu should come out and support him in big numbers and not cowardice like the people of Soroti did in 2021.

“I know Nandala can make a good president, but you people have to support him. I don’t want you to behave like the people of Teso. When the military came and scared them with guns, they didn’t come out to vote for their son,” he said.

Amuriat also said President Museveni should make sure his government introduces electoral reforms in order to create a fair ground for all candidates to compete in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.

Though the Nandala Mafabi presidential talk has gained momentum, the FDC secretary general has not publicly declared his position on the matter. The party continues to front both Nandala and Amuriat as their giants.

FDC launched its party digital membership registration last month and a road map for its mobilization tours. The party leadership was in Soroti last week and is expected to visit the West Nile next week.