Inside Nandala’s first presidential rally: What you might have missed

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For every presidential candidate, the first of the 90 days of canvassing for votes throughout the country is always planned to be a statement. 

This was Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag-bearer Nandala Mafabi campaigning team's plan in Buikwe district on September 29, 2025, as the party set the ball rolling for a gruelling campaign for the 2026 General Election.

With a 15-car convoy that left Kampala at exactly 8:00am, the presidential hopeful started with a mini rally at Nkokonjeru town, where he was joined by area local leaders who belong to the FDC and some of those who defected from National Unity Platform and People’s Front for Freedom, a section that had gone off with Col Kizza Besigye.

From Nkonkojeru, numbers grew, not just with the convoy that was joined by over 100 bodabodas but also supporters who stood by the roadside to see the presidential aspirant.

Kiyindi landing site was another banger if this were a music tune because this is where many residents know Nandala as a son of the area. Best known as a land for fishers, many, including market people, were seen fighting and yearning for T-shirts. 

Lugazi town to Najjembe was another moment of interaction between Nandala Mafabi’s supporters and his presidential team, where he promised money in the pockets of every Ugandan once elected.

Through his campaign trail that now had grown bigger to more than 50 car-convoy amidst sounds of Kadodi dance, music from four public address vans and jubilations from the FDC supporters. Because of the dusty feeder roads, many supporters were gold painted with dust.

At about 5:30pm, with several metres to the main playground where the rally was meant to be, Nandala showed his stamina to his supporters that he is the right man for the job when he got out of the car and started jogging to the playground.

Security was seamless for Nandala as the 16-security personnel, helped by bouncers, ensured that traffic flow, security and safety of every person at the rally enjoyed the route to statehouse.

With thousands already at the venue, musicians from Eastern Uganda, commanded by Kampala’s finest, electrified the rally as later Nandala Mafabi joined.

Because it was a busy day and with yet another busy one, here are the best 20 photos from what FDC calls the genesis to the big office that our photojournalist Alfred Ochwo captured.

Nandala Mafabi greeting supporters.