The Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, made an emotional return to Sironko on Monday, using the visit not to seek another term as Member of Parliament but to bid farewell as he shifts fully into a national presidential campaign.
His homecoming drew thousands of supporters, many of whom walked long distances in a symbolic show of loyalty as he appealed for a “block vote” in his pursuit of the presidency.
Mafabi told supporters that he had rejected an offer from President Museveni to appoint him Governor of the Bank of Uganda, saying the position would have limited his ability to carry out the sweeping economic reforms he envisions for the country.
“Museveni wanted to appoint me Governor of the Bank of Uganda, but I rejected because I want to govern the whole country, not just the central bank. I want to become president and apply my full knowledge to drive Uganda to prosperity,” Nandala said.
He highlighted his background in economic development, pointing to his work as a World Bank consultant where he has advised governments in Africa and Asia.
“Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, India have thrived on our advice. Museveni has refused to listen. So better I become president, apply the knowledge I have and fix this economy myself,” he said.
The FDC candidate criticised the NRM government for what he called decades of “futile” poverty-eradication programmes, including Entandikwa, Bona Bagagawale, NAADS, the Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga and the Parish Development Model, arguing that they have failed to lift communities out of poverty.
“These schemes have hoodwinked people for decades and kept you in poverty,” he said.
Mafabi pledged a set of ambitious reforms, including a Shs500 million annual village development grant and a dedicated boda boda loan scheme to shield riders from predatory lenders.
On infrastructure, he faulted the government for failing to tarmac the Namagumba–Budadiri–Simu Corner road for more than 40 years, blaming the delay on corruption that he said continues to drain public resources.
He also questioned the decision to establish a major government-supported coffee factory in Ntungamo rather than in established coffee-growing regions such as Elgon.
If elected, he said he would push for Uganda’s coffee to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which he said would raise farm-gate prices from the current Shs18,000 to Shs60,000 per kilogram.
His remarks came days after NRM presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni, while meeting leaders in Bugisu, attributed low prices to the export of raw beans and criticised regional leaders for failing to lobby for value-addition investments.
Museveni pledged increased government support for coffee processing facilities and reiterated that Uganda remains among the fastest-growing economies globally.
How the contrasting messages from the two candidates will influence voters remains to be seen.
