The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has hailed the homecoming of its Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, as a resounding success. The event, held at Mbale Cricket Grounds on August 30, 2025 drew thousands of supporters who warmly received their son back home.

“We wish to thank the people of Mbale and all the towns along where the presidential caravan passed for the warm reception,” the party said in a statement.

The homecoming capped a caravan that began at the FDC Headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on August 29, 2025. Party President Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi led the journey which encountered heavy tear gas in Iganga, Nakalama and Busembatya. Despite the police confrontations, the caravan pressed on, arriving triumphantly in Mbale.

The religious leaders including Rt. Rev. Patrick Gidudu, retired Anglican Bishop of Mbale Diocese and Sheikh Jowali Isiko of Jinja Muslim District offered blessings to Mafabi and his wife, Mama Flora Nandala.

The event also marked a major political shift, as over 160 NRM defectors publicly crossed over to the FDC. “The FDC Party extends its heartfelt appreciation to the people of Mbale and all the places the candidate visited, from Kampala to Mbale, for their overwhelming support,” the statement read.

During the journey, the FDC President also presided over the official opening of the party’s Buikwe District branch office in Lugazi Municipality and the Iganga District branch office in Iganga Municipality. The party also extended gratitude to journalists who braved difficult circumstances to cover the caravan.

As the 2026 elections approach, the FDC has launched an intensive mobilization and recruitment drive.

“Our extensive leadership structure across the country has been engaging with various leaders and individuals, encouraging them to join the FDC,” the party announced.

Recently, three former NRM parliamentary aspirants joined during the national council meeting, while more than 160 leaders from Bugisu and Budaka followed suit during the Mbale homecoming.

Talks are also ongoing with leaders and former candidates from the NUP, NRM and other parties, especially in Buganda, Busoga and western Uganda, as FDC positions itself to field strong candidates at all levels.

Meanwhile, Kampala Metropolitan aspiring candidates are meeting this week for induction into FDC values and nomination guidelines.

In a related development, Kasozi Ibrahim Biribawa has declared his bid for the position of Kampala Lord Mayor under the FDC ticket. Kasozi, a lawyer with a diploma in law, a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws in Corporate and Commercial Law said his candidacy is rooted in integrity, accountability and results.

“I am deeply grateful for the trust the FDC party has vested in me to hold their flag. I am aware of the responsibilities that come with serving our city, and I am ready to work tirelessly to build a Kampala that is safe, clean, prosperous, and inclusive for every resident,” he stated.

He pledged to prioritize public safety, better infrastructure, improved waste management, job creation, good governance, and social services. “This campaign is about serving with humility, listening to communities, and delivering results that elevate our city for generations to come,” he added.

Over the coming weeks, Kasozi plans to engage with residents across Kampala’s five divisions, business communities, and civil society to present his manifesto in detail.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has welcomed the consensus reached among candidates for the position of Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Entrepreneurs League, which has resulted in the unopposed endorsement of Al Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba for the period 2025–2031.

“I have met with the candidates for the position of NRM Chairperson of the Entrepreneurs League. They have agreed to unconditionally endorse Al Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba, who is now unopposed,”Museveni announced.

The President commended Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa for facilitating dialogue and uniting the various contenders during a meeting held on August 30, 2025, at State Lodge Nakasero.

“First, I would like to thank Thomas Tayebwa for bringing these factions together and thank all the aspirants for their foresight. As I often say, it is not just about who is in the position, but what can be achieved,” Museveni said. 

He added,“I congratulate Al Hajji Basajjabalaba and commend the other candidates for their selfless act.”

According to a communiqué signed by the aspirants, Sanjay Tanna, Mr. Kakuru Phillip, King Ceasor Mulenga, and witnessed by Deputy Speaker Tayebwa the decision was reached in the spirit of party unity and cohesion, as emphasized by the NRM Chairman.

“Following a dialogue initiated by H.E. Yoweri K. Museveni, Chairman of the NRM, and facilitated by Thomas Tayebwa, we the undersigned candidates for the position of Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League… have unconditionally endorsed Al Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba as the unopposed Chairperson of the NRM Entrepreneurs League for the period 2025–2031,” the communiqué read in part.

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo as Uganda’s new Principal Judge, pending parliamentary approval.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament and dated this week, Museveni invoked his constitutional powers under Article 142(1) of the 1995 Constitution, acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.

“In exercise of the powers vested in the President by Article 142(1) of the 1995 Constitution, I have, acting on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed Hon. Lady Justice Abodo Jane Frances as Principal Judge,” Museveni wrote.

“I hereby forward her name and CV to Parliament for approval,” he added.

The authenticity of the letter was confirmed by Farouk Kirunda, the Deputy Presidential Press Secretary.

“I hereby confirm that the letter circulating on social media regarding the appointment of Hon. Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo as the new Principal Judge is authentic. Her name has been forwarded to Parliament for the necessary approval. I congratulate her,” Kirunda stated.

Justice Jane Frances Abodo is a seasoned judicial officer with an outstanding career in Uganda’s justice system. She has served as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) since April 2020, making history as the first woman to hold the position. Before her appointment as DPP, she was a judge of the High Court and previously headed the Anti-Corruption Division of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Renowned for her integrity and commitment to fighting corruption, Justice Abodo has handled several high-profile cases and has been vocal about strengthening Uganda’s justice system to ensure fairness and accountability.

Her appointment as Principal Judge places her at the helm of supervising High Court judges and magistrates across the country, a role critical to judicial efficiency and timely delivery of justice.

If approved by Parliament, Justice Abodo will succeed Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, who has served in the role since 2019.

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