The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has pledged to reduce taxes, end corruption, and allocate 10% of resources to key sectors, including agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure.
He said a Shs80 trillion national budget under his leadership would reset the economy for better growth within five years.
Mafabi arrived in Mbarara City on Monday around midday, taking the access route to Kakoba Roundabout, where he addressed residents.
He promised that if elected president, he would release Dr Kizza Besigye from prison and provide Shs60,000 monthly to every Ugandan aged 65 and above.
“Uganda has enough money; it is just that corruption is taking too much of it. I will ensure that when you elect me president, I will reduce taxes and end corruption,” Mafabi said.
He outlined a series of promises aimed at improving both the national economy and household incomes, including reducing high taxes and supporting the elderly and pensioners.
“Our people, the elderly of 65 years and above, will receive Shs60,000 per month until their death, pensioners will get housing, and Dr Besigye will be set free,” he added.
Mafabi also criticized government poverty alleviation programs, saying they have failed to significantly reduce poverty in Uganda.
“This NRM government and President Museveni’s programs, like Entandikwa, Bonnabagaggawale, PDM, and Emyooga, have not helped you people get out of poverty. The little money—for example, Shs1 million under PDM—does not reach beneficiaries in full. The rest is swindled by powerful people,” he said.
After addressing residents at Kakoba, Mafabi and his campaign team proceeded along the main route to Mbarara town, where a scuffle with police occurred, resulting in an injury to a police patrol driver’s eye.
Traffic in the area was paralyzed for about an hour as Mafabi spoke to traders and passersby near Mbarara Central Market while police observed.
From Mbarara, Mafabi continued his campaign tour to Lyantonde and Lwengo districts.