Hundreds of FDC supporters, clad in their blue party colors, thronged the Cricket Grounds in Mbale City, cheering and chanting the names of party leaders Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi as they took to the stage. This mammoth crowd sharply contrasted with the scant turnout at a similar consultative meeting held by their Katonga rivals under de facto leader Col (rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye early last month.
Mr. Hamuza Wamono, a researcher and political analyst, commented that the contrasting crowds were a litmus test proving Nandala’s influence in the FDC party and the sub-region. “Although FDC did not perform well in the 2021 election, the mobilization skills of Nandala and others, if revived, can turn things around, especially if they are united,” Wamono said.
The fallout between Dr. Besigye and the rival FDC party leadership at Najjanankumbi became evident in November last year after Dr. Besigye accused them of allegedly receiving ‘dirty’ money from President Museveni for the 2026 General Election.
Mr. Robert Wanambwa, another political analyst, noted that while the FDC’s popularity waned in other parts of the country during the 2021 elections, it retained its hold in Bugisu, particularly in Sironko District, due to Nandala’s reputation as a kingmaker and pro-people leader. “Nandala has been tested and found to be useful in the struggle to outrun the NRM government of President Museveni. This is partly why locals, especially in Bugisu, trust him,” he said.
Mr. Nandala, the MP for Budadiri West in Sironko District, is also the chairperson of the influential Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU). In the 2021 polls, the ruling NRM lost all top slots in the parliamentary and local council elections in Sironko District to the FDC.
Notably, Mr. Vincent Woboya, the incumbent MP and NRM flag bearer for Budadiri East, was defeated by FDC’s Isaiah Ssasaga. The NRM flag bearer for Budadiri West, Kosea Wambaka, also lost to Mr. Nandala. Ms. Nambozo, who won the Woman MP seat, defeated NRM’s Asha Mafabi Nabulo, daughter of Mr. Suleiman Lumolo, the chairperson of the NRM party in Sironko District. Additionally, the FDC candidate, David Livingston Giruli, won the district chairperson seat, overpowering NRM flag bearer Alex Nabende.
Mr. Yahaya Wojje, the former Bungokho North MP on the NRM ticket, expressed support for Mr. Nandala due to his development record. “I am an NRM cadre, but I support Nandala because he is pro-development and he has been there for our region,” he said.
During the launch of the nationwide mobilization and registration of party members, Mr. Amuriat addressed FDC supporters, emphasizing that all previously issued party cards have been canceled and members need to re-register. “The leaders of FDC are here today. Don’t be misled by other people. We don’t have any other FDC party,” Amuriat stated. He criticized President Museveni for failing the people of Bugisu on development, particularly regarding the compensation of people in Bulambuli whose properties were lost during the war.
Mr. Nandala urged the locals to stand up against oppression and fight for their rights.
