Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential aspirant Nathan Nandala Mafabi has appealed to the people of Kumi District to support his 2026 presidential bid, saying the country needs urgent political change to address widespread poverty, greed and injustice.
Speaking during his first rally in Ngero Town Council on Friday mid-morning, Mafabi said his visit was part of a nationwide effort to present what he called a practical and people-centred manifesto.
“I have come here at your order seeking your support to take power so that we can improve our world and restore peace,” he said.
“Our manifesto is the best. We told you we are the best, and now we ask you to go and tell everyone that FDC is the best alternative for Uganda.”
Mafabi accused the NRM government of failing to curb corruption for nearly four decades.
“President Museveni cannot fight corruption. Every year they steal over 10 trillion. That is why taxes are high — they budget for theft,” he claimed, also criticising what he described as excessive spending on presidential publicity.
“They are spending over 2 trillion on posters and banners for a man who has been here for 40 years. If that money was brought to Kumi or Teso, lives would be changed,” he argued.
He mourned the collapse of cotton farming in Teso and pledged to revive cotton, cassava and other cash crops, restore cooperative unions such as the Teso Cooperative Union, and ensure fair compensation for stolen cattle, land and lives.
“Your cotton is the best in the world. We shall revive cash crops so that you regain your income and dignity,” he told supporters.
Mafabi dismissed government promises of giving each household five cows as unrealistic.
“There are one million families in Teso. Where will they get five million cows? We need real money, not political games,” he said.
He accused government agencies of inflating road construction costs, adding that an FDC government would prioritise transparency and accountability.
“One kilometre they construct — they steal the equivalent of 19 kilometres,” he said.
He also promised affordable motorcycles for young people through a low-cost financing scheme.
“We shall give you motorcycles at two million shillings, payable over five years. The money exists, but it is stolen by a few people,” he said.
On teachers’ welfare, Mafabi criticised the financial pressures faced by teachers whose ATM cards are often surrendered to moneylenders.
He pledged to revive cooperative and agricultural banks to offer interest-free loans and reduce dependency on moneylenders.
He further noted that government investment in the Soroti Fruit Factory only materialised after sustained pressure from him.
“Now they say they will put 30 million dollars. Where have they been for 40 years?” he asked, vowing to prioritise local production and ban fruit imports to protect Ugandan farmers.
Mafabi rallied the people of Kumi and the wider Teso region to embrace political change in the 2026 elections.
“My brothers and sisters, you are not alright. We need to change the government,” he said. “It is time for change. One people, one Uganda.”
