By
Emma Bwayo
With a trembling voice and visible emotion, long-serving Budadiri West Member of Parliament and the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has officially bid farewell to his constituents, marking the end of an era that spanned more than two decades.
The touching farewell came during a live radio talk show on Elgon FM in Mbale City on Tuesday night, where Nandala reflected on his journey with the people of Budadiri West, whom he has represented in Parliament since 2001. “At 32 years, the good people of Budadiri West entrusted me with the responsibility of representing them in Parliament. I am truly honored. Had they not given me that opportunity, perhaps the world would never have known me,” he said.
“Today, I am bidding farewell not because I’m abandoning you, but because I am stepping forward to serve the entire nation.” Nandala’s voice faltered as he spoke of the unwavering support he received from his people over the years, particularly the Bagisu community, who, he said, “embraced me wholeheartedly.” He added, “The rest is history. I believe I have not let them down.”
His departure from Budadiri West, a constituency he has served with distinction for over 20 years, sets the stage for a major political transition both locally and nationally. “I am humbled to be considered a beloved figure by many in Uganda and beyond. But it all started with you—the people of Budadiri West,” he said.
While much speculation has surrounded his national political ambitions, Nandala used the platform to officially confirm what many already anticipated: he will be contesting for the presidency of Uganda in 2026 under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket.
“It is no longer a secret. Over the years, we have been preparing for this moment. Now is the right time to make it official: I will be contesting for the presidency,” he said, adding that his move is guided by a deep sense of duty and belief in Uganda’s potential.
Currently, Nandala is traversing the country with FDC party president Engineer Patrick Oboi Amuriat, mobilizing grassroots support and reinforcing the party’s structures ahead of the 2026 polls. In his message, he emphasized unity, national pride, and the need to uplift Ugandans from within.
“Let us learn to embrace our own and uplift our people. I am stepping forward to protect, promote, and defend our identity. Uganda deserves better. And with God, all things are possible,” he said. As he exits the Budadiri West political stage, eyes are turning to his longtime personal political assistant, Reverend Jackson Magombe, who has already begun early consultations in a bid to succeed his mentor as the area MP.
About Nandala
Over the years, Nandala has grown to become one of the most prominent figures in Uganda’s opposition politics. His journey includes serving as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and a consultant with both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
His career also includes time at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where he worked before joining active politics. Away from politics, Nandala is a seasoned businessman—he is the Managing Director of Kama Oil Ltd and Mountain Inn, both of which operate a network of fuel stations and hospitality facilities, respectively. He is also currently the chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), one of Uganda’s largest coffee marketing unions.