Busoga Opposition leaders  plot block vote, endorse presidential candidate Mafabi

BUSOGA - A section of Opposition leaders and supporters in the Busoga have endorsed FDC flag-bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi for Presidency in the 2026 General Election.

The leaders, mainly flag-bearers and structure leaders from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), PFF, DF and UPC, among others, made the pronouncement at Nexus Hotel in Iganga district, where they converged for the cause.

FDC national vice-chairperson (eastern region) Jamal Wante, who spearheaded the development, said they chose Nandala since is the only son of the soil in the race from eastern region.

Wante, who is also the FDC flag-bearer for Namutumba district-based Busiki North county, said Nandala has the potential to win the elections since he was also endorsed in Bugisu region, where he hails from.

He, however, added that even though Nandala fails to win the race, the block vote will frustrate National Resistance Movement's candidate Yoweri Museveni getting the 50% plus one vote required to be declared President-elect, as other candidates also have support in other areas.

Wante said the move may result in are rerun of the election, leading to supporting the favourite Opposition leader.

Busiki County MP seat FDC flag-bearer Abudallah Kasalawo said the coalition will harmonise and choose to support one Opposition candidate at various levels in the region, especially members of parliament and LC5 chairpersons.

He said that their counterparts of NRM party has been winning the presidency and other positions because of divisions which may be checked now.

He also described Mafabi as a potential candidate, as he has spearheaded Bugisu Co-operative Union for years without collapse and creation of various projects in the region, which has given residents jobs.

The idea was overwhelmingly endorsed by leaders who came from 5 districts of Iganga, Namutumba, Kaliro, Bugiri and Bugweri.

The NUP woman leader in Namutumba district, Yudaya Namisango, said that the development is timely and vowed to support Nandala despite having their official flag bearer, Robert Kyagulanyi.

She, however, noted that they will not leave their respective parties but unite for a common cause to achieve the desired goal.

The Gamudire parish NUP flag bearer in Kaliro district Hamisi Muyezi, pledged to mobilise support for Mafabi and asked other opposition leaders to embrace the development to achieve their desired goal.

The Kigulu South County FDC flag bearer, Ronald Kagyelero, appealed to the participants not to lose focus or be diverted from the cause to achieve change.

The participants, mainly the flag-bearers, asked Nandala for financial support to facilitate the agenda and their own campaigns in their respective areas.