Nandala’s personal assistant gets FDC flag to replace him in Sironko

Rev Jackson Magombe, a longtime personal assistant to Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has emerged victorious in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party primaries for the Budadiri West parliamentary seat in Sironko District.
 
Mr Nandala is the current MP for Budadiri West, also the Secretary General of the FDC and chairperson of Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU). Mr Nandala who has been the area MP since 2001 quit the MP race early this year and is now running for the FDC party’s presidential flag bearer ahead of the 2026 general election.

Rev Magombe secured the party flag with 1,509 votes during the primaries that were held on  Saturday at Mafudu Primary School Playground after all other candidates withdrew from the race just minutes before the elections began, saying that the outcome of the elections had already been predetermined.
  
The candidates who withdrew from the race included:the  Dr Richard Kabala, Sharif Maakwasi, Geoffrey Wanyoto, and Ronald Mafabi.
 
"The party had already decided to front Magombe. But FDC is not the only path to Parliament—we are exploring other options. We could join other parties, contest as independents, or even form our own political party," Dr Kabala said.
 
Mr Maakwasi questioned the credibility of the electoral process, alleging that non-voters were allowed to participate.

"I’m officially leaving FDC. I intend to join another party and will seek its flag to contest in Budadiri West," Maakwasi said.
Mr Wanyoto also said the exercise was marred with irregularities.

“We had agreed in our meetings to use the secret ballot, but a day before the election, we received a letter from FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, directing us to conduct the vote by lining up behind candidates," he said.
Speaking shortly after his victory, Rev. Magombe pledged to retain the seat for the once powerful opposition party come 2026 general election.

"I am humbled and honored. The people have shown trust in me, and I promise to deliver. FDC is set to secure Budadiri West in the 2026 general elections," he said.
 
Mr Magombe has been also the head of clergy for North Mbale Diocese, stationed at St. Peter’s Church in Buteza Parish. He holds a Master's Degree in Education Planning and Management. 

He also appealed to the candidates who stepped down to rally behind him for the good of the party.

"I call upon my fellow aspirants to join hands with me so we can work together and ensure an overwhelming FDC victory in the general elections," he added.
 
Rev. Magombe stated that he has come to consolidate Nandala's achievements and carry on his legacy.
 
He highlighted Nandala's contributions such as lobbying for government intervention and opening roads like Buwasa, Kilogo, Busamaga, and Bukiti, sponsoring thousands of students under the Budadiri West education scheme, lobbying for secondary schools, elevating Buwasa Health Centre to a Health Centre IV, constructing a health center for Ania operations, and distributing over 5 million coffee seedlings to farmers.

The FDC primary exercise in Sironko District began in the afternoon, starting with elections for Woman MP and LC5 Chairperson.

In the Woman MP race, Ms Fiona Nafuna Banga won with 922 votes, defeating Robinah Wamaga who garnered 94 votes to secure the flag.

For the LC5 chairperson flag, the race was between incumbent David Livingstone Giruli and Francis Kyagulo Maniaku. Maniaku narrowly won with 366 votes against Giruli’s 352.

In Budadiri East, MP Isaiah Sasaga went through unopposed on the FDC ticket.

Mr Moses Wakoka, the FDC electoral supervisor for Sironko District, described the exercise as free and fair.
"Anyone with a complaint should file a formal petition," Makoka said.

He said those who withdrew just minutes before the election got zero because the law provides for someone to withdraw from the election a day before.
"They didn't withdraw but they just boycotted," Makoka said.