The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has officially kicked off a key phase of its internal democratic process as the two contenders for the party’s presidential flagbearer position, Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, begin a joint campaign tour across Northern Uganda.
The campaign, which starts today in Gulu City, marks a crucial moment in the FDC’s efforts to rally grassroots support and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Over the next several days, the candidates are expected to traverse key districts including Kitgum, Lira, Arua, and Nebbi, engaging party delegates and outlining their vision for the future of Uganda under FDC leadership.
According to party via it’s X handle, each candidate will be given equal time and opportunity to address delegates in each sub-region.
They will present their strategies for national leadership, party revitalization, and the role of FDC in confronting what they describe as a stagnating and increasingly authoritarian regime.
Eng. Patrick Amuriat, the FDC president and 2021 presidential candidate, is expected to emphasize his experience and past leadership within the party.
His camp is reportedly focusing on maintaining FDC’s core values and asserting the party’s independence from external political alliances.
Meanwhile, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Budadiri West MP and FDC Secretary General, is presenting himself as a reform-minded leader with a focus on rebuilding party structures and winning national elections through broader coalitions and grassroots empowerment.
Speaking ahead of the Gulu meeting, FDC electoral commission officials urged delegates to maintain unity and discipline throughout the campaign.
“This is a moment to showcase the strength of our internal democracy. We expect both camps to campaign with respect and focus on ideas,” said an official who declined to be named.
The FDC’s national delegates’ conference is scheduled for late July 2025, during which one of the two contenders will be elected as the party’s presidential flagbearer for the 2026 elections.
The Northern region campaign tour is expected to significantly influence delegate opinions, given the historical support the party enjoys in the region.
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