Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi on Sunday delivered a spirited, scripture-laden message at St Andrew’s Church in Mbale, drawing bold parallels between biblical cycles of 40 and what he described as the nearing end of President Museveni’s rule.
Mafabi joined Christians for prayers before setting off on his campaign activities in Bulambuli, using the service not only for spiritual reflection but also as a symbolic launchpad for his message of political transition and renewal.
He used the symbolism of the number 40—common in Christian and Islamic texts—to suggest that Uganda was approaching a divinely appointed turning point.
Opening with a light moment, Mafabi joked that he once asked the Bishop of Mbale to make him a reverend only to be told he would first need to study.
He then shifted into a lengthy analogy drawn from the biblical rise of King David, recounting how David, initially rejected because of his “sheep odour,” was eventually chosen and went on to defeat Goliath with a single stone.
Mafabi emphasized David’s dual nature—both sinner and beloved of God—to underline the idea that leaders need not be perfect, only chosen and guided by divine purpose.
Citing Chronicles 29:26–27, he highlighted that David ruled Israel for 40 years, tying this to other sacred narratives: Moses praying for 40 days, Jesus fasting for 40 days, and the Hebrews wandering for 40 years.
“Even in Islam, the number 40 carries spiritual weight,” he said.
Turning the analogy to himself, Mafabi told worshippers he was not claiming holiness.
“I am not an angel. I have sinned. That is why I come to church to ask for forgiveness,” he said.
But he urged Christians to pray for guidance as they select the next leader, adding pointedly, “I’m sure God is showing you that the best leader in the coming election is Nandala.”
He positioned himself as a bearer of “hope” and “love” with a long record of public service.
Mafabi recounted his personal journey: raised in a village, educated at Makerere University, and later working in Ireland before returning to Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, where he rose to commissioner within 10 years of graduating.
He reminded congregants of his 25-year parliamentary career. “Serving the people— I have never known anything else in my life,” he said.
The FDC candidate also addressed criticism, particularly claims about his stewardship of the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), where he is board chairperson.
“I am always abused left and right,” he said, urging people to visit the cooperative and see its performance firsthand instead of “hearing rumours.”
He deferred the details for another occasion but assured supporters that his record speaks for itself.
Throughout his remarks, Mafabi’s central theme was clear: Uganda is on the cusp of a transition, one he likened to the biblical turnovers marked by the number 40.
By invoking David’s anointing, Goliath’s fall, and the sacred significance of 40 across religions, Mafabi positioned President Museveni’s decades-long rule as a cycle reaching its natural, divinely signaled end, presenting himself as the leader prepared to usher in a new era rooted in faith, humility, and experience.
