Candidate Profile Page

Nandala Mafabi: Pillar fighting for FDC presidential dream

By Nelson Kiva

The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has since zeroed in on Nathan Nandala Mafabi as the ideal candidate to bring the party's Presidential dream a reality in the forthcoming general elections.

The party secretary general since 2015, Nandala has since vowed to give the Najjanankumbi-based political establishment a lifeline since the noisy and messy split of the former main Opposition party.

In the wake of what was dubbed the ‘Museveni dirty money,’ Nandala and the party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, were at the centre of the controversy that led to the split of FDC, causing the formation of the Katonga faction, which has since morphed to become People's Front for Freedom (PFF).

Former FDC strong man and founder Dr Kizza Besigye and his allies, including Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago and outspoken Kira Municipality legislator Ssemujju Nganda, accused Nandala and Amuriat of financing the 2021 General Election campaigns of the party using President Yoweri Museveni’s money.

Amuriat was the party's presidential candidate, and Nandala backed him rigorously after four-time Presidential candidate Besigye declined calls by party members to give it another shot.

Now, PFF has since contemplated backing the former FDC president and former chief of defence forces of Uganda Mugisha Muntu to contest for the presidency.

Muntu is the co-ordinator of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). PFF and ANT have since inked a political co-operation agreement.

According to political analysts, Nandala has been a key financier of the FDC party right from the early days and is one of the founders.

Nandala is not only a politician, but an economist, a professional accountant and ambitious businessman.

With a political career spanning over three decades, Nandala demonstrated his commitment to transparency, accountability and social justice.

Profile

Early Life and Education

Born on October 17, 1966, in Buwalasi, Sironko District, Nandala grew up in a farming community that shaped his understanding of rural life and the challenges faced by farmers.

He attended Buwalasi Primary School, Mbale Secondary School, and Busoga College Mwiri before pursuing a Bachelor of Statistics degree and a Master's degree in Economic Policy and Planning from Makerere University.

Nandala's academic excellence and passion for economics earned him a place at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where he worked as a senior principal revenue officer.

Parliamentary Career

In 2001, Nandala transitioned from a career in public service to politics when he was elected to represent Budadiri West Constituency in Parliament.

His tenure in Parliament quickly became characterised by his fierce independence, intellectual rigor, and commitment to accountability.

Nandala held several critical positions in Parliament, including Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Leader of the Opposition, and chairperson of the Committee on National Economy.

As chairperson of the PAC, Nandala became a key figure in Uganda's fight against corruption, exposing numerous cases of financial mismanagement in government.

His leadership in PAC earned him the reputation of a tough and principled politician who was not afraid to take on powerful interests.

As Leader of the Opposition, Nandala led the shadow cabinet, offering alternative policies and holding the government accountable on governance, public resource management, and social services.

Role in Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU)

Nandala's leadership of the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) has been instrumental in transforming the cooperative's fortunes. Under his leadership, BCU has undergone significant reforms aimed at restoring its profitability and safeguarding the interests of farmers. Nandala championed value addition in the coffee sector, pushing for the local processing of coffee beans to increase farmers' earnings.

His work with BCU has earned him widespread admiration, particularly from the farming community, and he is regarded as a key figure in Uganda's cooperative movement.

Political ideology and influence

Nandala is known for his populist approach to politics, emphasising policies that promote social justice, economic equality, and transparency in government.

He has consistently called for more investment in rural development, education, healthcare, and agriculture, sectors he believes are critical for Uganda's growth and development.

Nandala's views often put him at odds with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, particularly on issues of corruption and governance.

Legacy

Nandala's legacy in Ugandan politics is that of a principled leader who has consistently fought for transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the marginalised.

Whether through his role in Parliament or his work with the BCU, Nandala has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Uganda, particularly the rural poor.

His work with BCU stands as a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers, and he continues to push for policies that will enhance their livelihoods.

In recent years, Nandala has also been involved in discussions about Uganda's economic future, particularly in terms of how the country can better leverage its natural resources and human capital for development.

He remains a significant voice in the opposition, and his contributions to both Uganda's political and economic landscape have left an indelible mark. 

Early life and education

Born on January 17, 1966 (though some sources indicate October 17, 1966), in Busamaga village, Sironko district, Uganda.

Career in public service

• 1988-1993: Tax assessor Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)
• 1993-1994: URA revenue officer
• 1995-1996: URA Senior revenue officer
• 1997: URA Principal revenue officer
• 1998-2000: URA senior principal revenue officer and acting chief internal auditor
  
  Parliamentary career

• 2001-to-date: Budadiri West Constituency Member of Parliament
  
  Parliamentary roles

• 2006-2011—Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee: Led the committee in exposing corruption and financial mismanagement in government
• 2011-2014—Leader of the Opposition-LOP: Led the shadow cabinet and held the government accountable on governance, public resource management, and social services
• Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy: Oversaw matters related to Uganda's economic planning and borrowing
• Deputy Chairperson, Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus: Advocated for the interests of the Bugisu region
  
  Role in Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU)

• Served as chairman of BCU, implementing reforms to restore profitability and safeguard farmers' interests
• Championed value addition in the coffee sector and advocated for better prices for farmers
  
  Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 

• 2015-to date—Member of FDC and served as secretary general 
• 2005-2015: Replaced Alice Alaso who had served as the party secretary general
• June 2023—Declares intention to run for President of Uganda in the 2026 General Election
• July 2025—Elected FDC presidential flag-bearer for the 2026 elections
• September 2025—Submits signatures to the Electoral Commission to support his presidential bid
• Expected to contest against incumbent President Yoweri Museveni and other opposition candidates in the 2026 presidential election.