James Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, has urged the Electoral Commission (EC) to allow voters to observe their ballots after casting them in the January 2026 elections.
Speaking to the media during a campaign stop at Central Market in Entebbe Municipality on Thursday, Nandala criticised the EC’s directive for people to leave polling stations immediately after voting.
“Why are you chasing people from the polling station? What do you want to do that you don’t want people to see? They are fearing that when people see what they are doing, they will know the election wasn’t free and fair,” he said.
Nandala also questioned recent voter registration trends, highlighting a surge from 600,000 to 3.5 million in a few days. “That shows a clear sign that the Electoral Commission is already rigging the election,” he said. He called on EC chairperson Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon to ensure transparency. “Allow people to watch their vote. If you don’t want them to watch, then say there’s no election; declare the person you want and that’s what they should do,” Nandala warned.
The opposition leader urged citizens to safeguard their votes, saying: “Don’t go away… you’d rather die while watching your vote.”
Nandala also addressed economic challenges, promising to revive Uganda’s economy by improving infrastructure and providing accessible capital to women, youth, and small entrepreneurs.
“The roads, infrastructure is very bad, people are crying for water, there are so many street children, there are so many poor mothers working in markets but working for moneylenders. Uganda is in dire need of help,” he said.
He condemned the proliferation of moneylenders, accusing the government of allowing them to exploit poor citizens while making abnormal profits.
“The whole president allows moneylenders to be in the whole country… it’s unfortunate,” he said.
Nandala further outlined a master plan to combat poverty through currency reforms.
“I am the only one who has a formula… let everyone put their money in the bank; when withdrawing, they draw new currency. Many who hoard billions will be unable to withdraw without explanation. That money will be frozen and replaced fairly,” he said.
Through these measures, Nandala said his administration would ensure transparency in elections while reviving Uganda’s economy and creating equitable opportunities for all citizens.
