Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi on Tuesday campaigned in Mayuge District, calling on Busoga residents to vote for change and reject what he described as decades of unfulfilled promises under the ruling NRM government.
Mafabi began his campaign at Wandago and Magamaga trading centres along the Jinja–Iganga highway, where he was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds dancing to kadodi traditional rhythms.
Addressing rallies across the district, the Budadiri West legislator accused the government of presiding over persistent poverty in Busoga despite being in power for four decades.
He argued that the region’s economic struggles are the result of deliberate neglect and poor policy implementation.
“When the President visited last week, he acknowledged poverty in Busoga, but he has led the nation for 40 years. What doesn’t he know? All statistics show Busoga is poor, yet no real solutions are offered,” Mafabi said.
“How can someone who has been in power for four decades bring a lorry of T-shirts and erect huge billboards, while the people want service delivery?”
Mafabi outlined his plan to stimulate economic recovery, promising to revive the defunct Busoga Growers Cooperative and introduce alternative cash crops to reduce overreliance on sugarcane, which he said has trapped many farmers in low-income cycles.
“We had four main cash crops in Uganda: coffee, cotton, tea, and tobacco. Cotton was Busoga’s main cash crop, with Namulesa Ginnery being the largest in the country. Yet government replaced it with sugarcane, which comes with many restrictions, including permits to harvest," Mafabi said.
"In a new government, people of Busoga will grow cotton or coffee, and we will provide solutions for sugarcane storage until the market stabilizes,” he added.
Mafabi also criticized high-interest moneylenders, accusing the government of turning a blind eye while vulnerable Ugandans fall victim to exploitative lending.
“The majority of moneylenders are from Ankole, from West Nile to Tororo, and across the country. This has been by design to impoverish people. That will stop under our government,” he said.
He cautioned residents against “politics of deception and empty slogans,” insisting that Uganda needs leadership rooted in accountability and equitable development.
“Since 1996, programs like Entandikwa, Bonna Bagaggawale, NAADs, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation, and the Parish Development Model have been introduced. Has Busoga escaped poverty? No. These programs were meant to hoodwink people,” Mafabi said.
Reiterating that “the time for change is now,” Mafabi urged Ugandans to rally behind his candidacy, promising better service delivery anchored in what he described as “the country’s best manifesto.”
He is expected to continue his campaign across other districts in Busoga as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming general elections.
