Amuriat scoffs at critics, defends stepping down for Nandala Mafabi in presidential bid

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In a moment that stunned Uganda’s political class, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Amuriat Oboi dramatically stepped aside from the party’s 2026 presidential flag bearer contest, throwing his weight behind longtime ally and party secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi.

The announcement came just a day before the party’s national delegates conference, which was scheduled for today (July 31, 2025).

What many anticipated would be a tense showdown between two of the FDC’s most formidable figures instead turned into a carefully choreographed display of unity and strategic consensus.

(L-R) Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Jack Sabiiti FDC National Chairperson, James Nandala Mafabi and other officials arriving at FDC headquarters Najjanankumbi on July 30, 2025.(Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

Why I bowed out

Speaking before party leaders and the press at FDC’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, Amuriat, commonly known as “POA”, dismissed widespread speculation that he had buckled under pressure or feared of losing the internal contest.

Instead, he described his move as a deliberate act of political maturity, aimed at preserving cohesion within a party still recovering from past internal fractures.

“This decision is not taken out of cowardice, nor fear of competition,” Amuriat said in a hoarse but seemingly defiant voice.

“I took this decision in the spirit of unity, to protect the togetherness of our party and ensure we move forward as one,” he added.

A brotherhood in struggle

Amuriat and Mafabi’s political partnership spans nearly three decades, a relationship marked by shared sacrifices, electoral battles, and accusations of collusion with the ruling regime.

At the height of the FDC’s internal turbulence, both men were once falsely accused of plotting to hand over the opposition party to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He said together, they managed to emerge from the storm even more bonded.

“Everybody could not believe that I could stand against Mafabi. But it was real. Each one of us wanted to become the president of this country, and you know I was there before,” Amuriat admitted.

Their journey to consensus reached its peak on July 29, 2025, during a pivotal meeting of party elders from Teso and Bugisu sub-regions, which are home regions of Amuriat and Mafabi, respectively.

The elders urged the two to avoid a potentially divisive electoral showdown and instead choose unity over confrontation.

The FDC constitution, Amuriat reminded the nation, provides for consensus as a legitimate path in candidate selection.

He said the move was not undermining democracy, but demonstrating its deeper spirit.

Amuriat proudly called the moment a landmark in Uganda’s political history, one where internal democracy prevailed not through electoral arithmetic, but through mutual respect and long-term strategy.

“FDC has shown democratic maturity unprecedented in this country. And I’m proud this is happening during my presidency,” he noted.

He also revealed that Mafabi had originally been the party’s preferred candidate for the 2021 race, but the Secretary General declined, saying he wasn’t ready.

“I stepped in because I am a risk taker. And that risk paid off, we reminded the country that FDC is alive, focused, and ready to take power,” he added.

Now, the baton passes back to Mafabi, whom Amuriat described as “a resilient leader with a big heart, a go-getter, and my brother.”

What next

To his supporters, Amuriat delivered a message of assurance, saying that stepping aside does not mean stepping away.

Borrowing from African folklore, he joked: “When a tortoise throws itself into water, it’s not committing suicide, it’s going for a swim.”

He promised to remain an active force in one way or the other in the 2026 election, alongside offering unwavering support to Mafabi and playing whatever role the party deems fit.

He stressed that if there’s just one person who will walk with Mafabi in this election, it’s going to be me.

Boniface Bamwenda Toterebuka FDC electoral commission chairperson addressing as James Nandala Mafabi and Patrick Oboi Amuriat look on. This was at FDC headquarters Najjanankumbi on July 30, 2025. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga)

“The way you’ve never abandoned me, Nathan, I will never abandon you. And this isn’t just politics; it’s a forever promise,” he added.

He explained the move also reflects a strategic financial decision.

He stressed that by avoiding an internal election, the FDC will redirect funds initially meant for the delegates’ conference toward supporting their candidates in the general elections.

Amuriat ended his remarks with a heartfelt tribute to party elders, colleagues, and his rival-turned-flagbearer. “He has earned it. And all of us in FDC should applaud him,” he said.

He noted that as the party looks ahead to 2026, the message from Najjanankumbi is clear.

“The FDC is choosing unity, strategy, and brotherhood over bitter rivalry, a decision that may just redefine political leadership in Uganda,” he added.

Scoffs at critics

He dismissed those who left FDC to form other parties, believing it would collapse, asserting instead that the party remains strong and continues to move forward.

"To those who walked out of the FDC thinking they could destabilise this party through falsehoods, idle talk, and baseless rumours, those who believed the FDC would collapse; I have one message for you: ‘Die in your own funeral.’ We are not responsible for that," he noted.

Without naming names, he noted that some of those who left are already struggling to field a presidential candidate and are scrambling to form questionable alliances in a bid to stay politically relevant.

“These are the same cowards who abandoned the FDC. Shame on you. We are not and will never be bothered by your actions. The FDC will continue to march forward, stronger and more united than ever," he added.