Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has strongly criticised the Electoral Commission (EC) for what he described as a failure to comply with the law by not providing candidates with the national voters’ register within the legally stipulated timeframe.
Speaking during his campaign tour in Jinja District, Nandala said the law requires the EC to give all duly nominated candidates a copy of the voters’ register at least 14 days before polling day, a requirement his party has not yet seen fulfilled.
“The Electoral Commission is mandated to avail all candidates with the voters’ register at least 14 days to polling day, which they have not done,” Nandala said, accusing the Commission of unfair conduct and unprofessionalism.
He further alleged that the Commission is engaging in politics rather than performing its constitutional duties, arguing that some of its recent directives lack legal basis.
“At first, the EC chairperson said all voters must vacate polling stations immediately after casting their ballots. When we asked under which law, he went silent. Now we are faced with the issue of the voters’ register,” Nandala remarked.
The FDC flag bearer also faulted the EC for continuing to nominate candidates only days before polling, a move he said could create confusion and chaos on ballot papers.
“The law clearly states that petitions must be heard within seven days after nomination. But the Commission is still nominating more candidates just days to polling. Whatever they are doing is an illegality,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Nandala paid his last respects at the home of the late Prof. Frank Nabwiso, a senior FDC member, before proceeding with campaign activities across Butagaya, Buwenge, and Kakira.
He officially opened new FDC party offices for Jinja District in Buwenge Town Council.
While addressing supporters, Nandala urged residents of Jinja to rally behind his presidential bid, pledging to restore good governance and revive the area’s once-thriving industrial base.
“Everyone who went to school knows that Jinja was once the industrial hub of East Africa. Even during the eras of Presidents Obote and Amin, industries in Jinja were preserved. But under the current government, led by so-called graduates, this legacy has been destroyed,” he said.
He reiterated his vision of economic transformation aimed at putting money into the pockets of ordinary Ugandans.
Highlighting the decline of key industries in the Busoga sub-region, including the cotton sector, he said, “Busoga used to be a powerhouse of cotton, with a ginnery at Namulesa where high-quality cotton was processed. Today, it is long dead. In my government, we shall rejuvenate such industries.”
Nandala concluded by calling on the people of Jinja and the wider Busoga region to turn out in large numbers and vote for change in the forthcoming elections.
