Road to 2026: FDC’s Nandala Mafabi picks forms for presidency

KAMPALA - Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) secretary general Nandala Mafabi has picked nomination forms for the 2026 general election, becoming the first presidential candidate from a major political party to do so.

Soroti West Division MP Jonathan Ebwalu collected the forms on his behalf from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, August 13.

This comes as the party’s national council prepares to unveil its 2026-2031 election manifesto today, Wednesday, at its headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala.

Two other aspirants had also picked forms earlier on Wednesday, bringing the total to 91 in the ongoing exercise.

Soroti West Division MP Jonathan Ebwalu collected the forms on Nandala's behalf from the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, August 13. (Credit: Maria Wamala)

Visually and physically impaired aspirant Mathew Mutyaba said disability is not inability as he pledged to tackle the high level of youth unemployment in the country.

Former Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa had also set off from the rebranded Common Man’s Party headquarters at Jacaranda Gardens in Rubaga, Kampala, to collect the forms.

Munyagwa had also set off from the rebranded Common Man’s Party headquarters at Jacaranda Gardens in Rubaga, Kampala, to collect the forms. (Credit: Farooq Kasule)

Presidential aspirants are also required to pick supporter forms and nomination guidelines for use in collecting signatures from not fewer than 100 registered voters in at least 98 districts across Uganda.

The collection of the forms, which is being carried out physically at the EC head offices from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, is expected to end on September 24.

The law states that a person aspiring for nomination as a presidential candidate must be a citizen of Uganda by birth and a registered voter aged 18 years or above.

They must submit certified copies of educational qualifications confirming that they obtained a minimum of A’ Level education or its equivalent.

Observers say the number of presidential aspirants could increase, with the nomination dates set for September 23 and 24.

EC chairman Simon Byabakama said last week that the physical collection is intended to allow the EC to identify and document presidential aspirants, and to notify relevant authorities across the country to expect them in the field and offer support as may be necessary.

“An individual intending to collect nomination forms and supporter forms on behalf of a political party/organisation must present written proof of authorisation. This authorisation must be issued by the secretary general of the political party/organisation or a designated official,” the EC boss said.

Likewise, aspirants intending to contest as independents and seeking to collect nomination and supporter forms must present proof of registration as voters.