By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA,
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, has officially withdrawn from the party’s presidential race, pledging full support to Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi James, who is now the sole candidate for the FDC’s flag bearer position.
In a letter addressed to Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, the chairperson of the FDC Electoral Commission, Amuriat explained that his withdrawal came after extensive consultations with his campaign team, which unanimously decided that he step down in favor of Mafabi.
“I have taken the decision to step down in favor of Nandala Mafabi James,” Amuriat wrote in the letter, which was also endorsed by party members Fatuma Abalinabyo and Norman Suzan Otai.
Shortly after announcing his withdrawal, Amuriat spoke to journalists, describing Mafabi as a resilient and determined leader who has the qualities Uganda needs. He further pledged his unwavering support for Mafabi’s candidacy, stating, “If there is just one person who will walk with you in this election, it is going to be me.”
Amuriat’s endorsement comes as a significant moment for the FDC, which had seen six contenders express interest in the presidential ticket. However, only two candidates, Amuriat and Mafabi, were shortlisted. Following Amuriat’s exit, Bamwenda declared Nandala Mafabi as the party’s unchallenged candidate for the 2026 presidential race.
Robert Centenary, FDC’s Vice-Chairperson for Western Uganda, said the party had carefully considered the options and acknowledged that both candidates had strong qualities. “We recognize that both of them are capable, and if the party had two flags, we would have given each one. But, since we only need one, the decision was made,” Centenary said.
Hon. Jack Sabiiti, FDC’s National Chairperson, also commended the two leaders for coming to a consensus, which he said would save the party both resources and time. “This decision will spare us the costs of a Delegates Conference,” Sabiiti remarked.
As a result of Amuriat’s withdrawal, Sabiiti called off the FDC’s scheduled Delegates Conference, originally set for July 31. Instead, a special national council has been called for August 13 to discuss further matters regarding the party’s preparations for the upcoming elections.
