Nandala Secures Nomination for 2026 Presidential Race

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, James Nathan Nandala, has been nominated to contest for the 2026 general elections.

Nandala, together with his wife, was accompanied by a group of 20 party supporters, including the FDC President, Patrick Amuriat, party Treasurer, Jack Sabiti, and several former Members of Parliament.

Nandala’s nomination followed a scrutiny of the nomination form, his declaration of consent to nomination, whether he is a registered voter, payment of non-refundable nomination fees totalling 20 million Shillings, and other documents.

The verification was spearheaded by EC officials from the Legal, Data, Voter Management, and Field Operations departments.

“We verified these papers and found everything is okay. He has satisfied the requirements laid down in the Presidential Elections Act,” said Justice Byakakama.

Following his nomination, Byabakama tasked the presidential candidate to ensure that he appoints an official agent who will coordinate his campaign meeting and media program and also attend meetings on his behalf, where necessary.

Byabakama also tasked Nandala to provide the Commission with a schedule of his campaign meetings and media program as soon as practicable to facilitate the smooth harmonisation of all the candidates’ campaign programs countrywide. 

The Commission also notified Nandala that he would be required to sign a memorandum of understanding with EC on compliance with the harmonised campaign programs and timelines.

Nandala also received a security vehicle and 16 Counter-Terrorism police officers, as part of his security detail for the campaign period that starts on 29th September 2025. The security team is also required to provide 24-hour, round-the-clock security to the presidential candidate’s residence.  

In his address to the media, Nandala appreciated his party for allowing him to carry the flag as a presidential candidate, and he expounded on his several academic qualifications, work in several parliamentary positions, his community in Bugisu, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“My campaign slogan is ‘Fixing the Economy, Money in our pockets”. There is insecurity in our homes and pockets. People are poor, and I bring a new menu in this election. I don’t come with hatred or anger, but to build bridges where there are no bridges,” Nandala said.

He promised to invest in productive sectors like Agriculture, once elected, so that people can earn from their produce.

“My team and I, if you give us power, the Agriculture sector will get 10 percent of the budget so that Ugandans can benefit. Farmers suffer due to poor handling of post-harvest produce. We also intend to revitalise cooperatives. We must have cooperatives that work, and I come with experience in this area, since I am a leader in Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU),” Nandala added.

The presidential candidate also pledged to invest in sports by ensuring that every school has a sports facility to nurture the talents of the young generation.

Regarding the health sector, Nandala pledged to end medical tourism by investing in health facilities and empowering medical professionals.

Asked about the growing debt in the nation, Nandala spoke of widening the tax base to which everyone contributes, and in the end, reducing Uganda’s borrowing.

“I will reduce debt. Currently, we have a narrow tax base, and it is the same people charged every day. We need to increase the tax base, and ensure that everybody contributes so that the base is widened and reduce borrowing,” he explained.