Lweza, Uganda – In a bold and symbolic moment that could define Uganda’s next political chapter, opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has issued a direct, emotionally charged appeal to President Yoweri Museveni: “Thank you, you can retire as senior citizen, and be our advisor”.
Addressing reporters moments after being officially nominated by the Independent Electoral Commission at its Lweza headquarters, Mafabi did not mince his words.
“We appreciate President Museveni for what he has done over the last 40 years,” he said. “But now, it’s time for him to retire as a senior citizen and become an advisor, not a burden to himself or the country.”
This statement, both respectful and defiant, underscores a growing sentiment among sections of Uganda’s opposition and civil society: that President Museveni’s historic legacy, marked by a military victory in 1986 and four decades of unbroken rule, should not be allowed to overshadow the country’s future.
Mafabi, a long-serving MP, former Leader of Opposition, and seasoned civil servant, cast himself as the natural successor to lead a nation grappling with deep inequality, worsening healthcare, and widespread poverty.
“I am a servant, not a boss. I know what the people need. What we need now is a leadership that heals, not one that clings,” he told journalists.
At 10:30am, Justice Simon Byabakama, chairperson of the Electoral Commission, formally declared Mafabi as a candidate in the upcoming 2026 presidential race, handing him the soft copy of the official voters register and assigning him 24-hour security protection.
The moment was more than procedural, it was symbolic. Mafabi stood not just as an opposition figure, but as a representative of what he called “the best menu Uganda has.”
Mafabi is among the those who will competing the against the incumbent President Yoweri Museveni who will running for the same office since the return of multiparty system.
Others contestants are Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine for the National Unity Platform (NUP), Maj Gen. Gregory Mugisgha Muntu, for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Joseph Mabirizi for the Conservative Party (CP), and Robert Kasibante who is the flagbrearer for the National Peasants Party.
In an unusual move, Mafabi who was accompanied by his wife, the party president Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi and other party officials, reached across party lines, even calling on members of Museveni’s own National Resistance Movement (NRM) to support his candidacy.
“I invite all Ugandans, regardless of political affiliation, to back me. This isn’t about parties anymore. It’s about Uganda’s soul,” he declared.
Time to tackle poverty
Mafabi sharply contrasted Museveni’s original 1986 promise to fix Uganda’s security with the grim realities facing citizens today.
“Yes, security improved. But now, our people are simply too poor. That’s the real war we need to fight and win,” he noted.
His critique went beyond statistics, saying the figures on the poverty levels do not reflect what is on ground.
He painted a picture of everyday suffering, children out of school, citizens dying due to lack of healthcare, and farmers losing income due to post-harvest losses.
““That is why we come in so that my grandmother, my father, my mother in Zombo, Kabale, Kitagwenda, Kisoro, Busia can get any treatment they want without getting favours from those in power. I plead and tell you that this is possible. We want all Ugandans to have an equal treatment,” he added.
Education, equality, national unity
Mafabi promised a wholesale reset of Uganda’s education and healthcare systems. He called for equal pay across disciplines, whether teaching arts or sciences, saying this creates divisionism/discrimination.
He argued passionately for infrastructure upgrades for all , and housing for teachers and civil servants especially at health facilities.
“Mathematics isn’t taught in Lugisu, Luganda or Lusoga. It’s taught in English. So why underpay English teachers? That’s inequality, and we will fix it,” he added.
He stressed that equity is the foundation of national unity.
I come to unify Ugandans
Positioning himself as a reconciler in a politically polarized landscape, Mafabi promised to restore dignity to Uganda’s senior citizens and give every Ugandan a stake in the country’s future.
“I will not adjust the retirement age to suit a few elites. Our elders deserve homes, monthly stipends, and peace,” he added.
He warned against leaders who divide the country along tribal, ethnic, or professional lines. “Anyone doing that is breaking this country. I will not allow it. I come to unite, not divide.”
As Mafabi officially enters the race, Uganda finds itself at a political crossroads.
The question now is whether voters, especially the youth—will rally behind his promise of servant leadership, equity, and generational transition, or whether the incumbent’s long-standing grip on power will prove unbreakable once again.
But one thing is certain: the winds of political change are no longer whispers. They’re being shouted from the podiums.
“President Museveni,” Mafabi said firmly, “has done his part. Now let him rest.”
