The race for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flagbearer in the upcoming 2026 general elections has officially kicked off, with four contenders picking nomination forms to challenge incumbent flagbearer Patrick Oboi Amuriat.
By close of business on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the FDC Electoral Commission confirmed that four aspirants had picked forms to contest for the party’s top ticket.
These include FDC Secretary General Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Mr. Matsiko Dan, Mr. Usaama Ssemogerere, and Mr. Malinga Gerald.
The quartet will face off against Mr. Amuriat, who has also expressed interest in defending the position he has held since 2020.
According to the FDC Electoral Commission, the process of picking nomination forms remains open until Friday, May 2, 2025.
Aspirants are expected to return completed nomination forms on Tuesday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
Speaking to journalists in Soroti City, Mr. Amuriat welcomed the competition, saying it reflected the internal democracy and vibrancy of the FDC.
“The party is busy collecting expression of interest forms as one exercise in which we identify our candidates that will be running in the election of 2026,” he said.
“This early start is something we believe will lead to a sizable number of candidates, and we’re quite happy about the turnout. It emphasizes our democracy as a party.”
Amuriat further stressed that no position within the party was ring-fenced, noting that any contest would be conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner.
“I have asked my agents to pick forms and that position is going to be contested for, there is no doubt about that. We believe the best will emerge winner,” he asserted.
While reaffirming his commitment to a democratic process, Amuriat also expressed optimism about consensus building within the party.
“We are hopeful that we will be able to gear towards consensus building. Where one or more candidates arise, the party would encourage aspirants to sit down, examine themselves and agree. Where there is no agreement, we will go the path of democracy and conduct elections through the National Delegates Conference.”
In the meantime, aspirants are expected to traverse the country, campaign among delegates, and promote the party’s ideals in preparation for the delegate vote.
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