Nandala Mafabi on Tuesday intensified his presidential campaign in Kampala, brushing aside concerns about opposition fragmentation and asserting that he remains the only viable alternative for voters in the capital.
Speaking before departing from the FDC headquarters, Mafabi said that although the opposition landscape has shifted, his candidature remains intact and competitive.
He dismissed suggestions that the absence of a candidate from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) would affect his chances.
“PFF doesn’t have a candidate. I am a presidential candidate, so I am sorry if they are not going to give me a vote,” Mafabi said.
He told supporters that Kampala’s long-standing challenges, ranging from infrastructure to livelihoods, require leadership with a clear and practical plan, which he believes only he offers.
“I understand the needs of Kampala and I know how those challenges can be addressed. I am the only one who has a plan for Kampala, so I am asking them for a vote,” he added.
Mafabi later moved through Kawaala and Kasubi, where he was received by enthusiastic supporters beating drums and blowing vuvuzelas.
Unlike rivals who organise rallies at designated venues, the FDC candidate opted for a mobile campaign style, addressing residents as he moved through neighbourhoods and engaging directly with the public.
Tensions, however, flared during the procession when scuffles broke out between some supporters and police officers.
The situation escalated, prompting police to deploy teargas to disperse the crowd.
Mafabi condemned the police action, saying it undermined the integrity of the campaign period and the right of candidates to freely mobilise.
“The campaigns are not supposed to be violent,” he said.
“If this is what is happening, it means the process is not fair. We have the right to campaign without intimidation.”
The FDC flag bearer is expected to continue his campaign trail in Jinja as he enters the final stretch of the presidential race.
