Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has pledged to reform the enforcement of fishing laws on Uganda’s water bodies, promising a more humane and rights-respecting approach if elected to lead the country.
Addressing thousands of supporters at a rally held at Bwondha Primary School in Bwondha Town Council, Mayuge District, Mafabi condemned the current methods used to regulate fishing activities on Lake Victoria and other lakes.
He argued that the enforcement practices have unfairly robbed communities of their livelihoods and violated the rights of ordinary citizens who depend on fishing to survive.
Mafabi said that Uganda’s natural resources were meant to uplift communities, not push them deeper into poverty.
“God blessed Busoga with these water bodies so that our people can sustain themselves through fishing. Even those from other regions, like Bugisu, should be free to come and earn a living from the lake,” he told the cheering crowd.
Mafabi criticised President Museveni’s administration for what he described as neglect of the Busoga Sub-region, saying widespread poverty in the area was a direct result of government abandonment.
He also accused local leaders of self-interest and urged residents to vote for leaders who genuinely care about their wellbeing.
Mafabi reaffirmed the FDC’s commitment to citizen-centred governance, declaring, “You are the bosses; we are the workers. Trust us with your votes for the next five years and we shall work for you, not rule over you.”
He encouraged Ugandans across the country to participate fully in the upcoming elections, emphasising that “the time to change the country is now.”
Residents at the rally expressed hope that a Mafabi presidency would address key infrastructure and social service gaps in Mayuge District. Among the priorities raised were the tarmacking of the Mayuge–Bwondha Landing Site road, upgrading Mayuge Health Centre IV to district hospital status, establishing a Health Centre IV in every constituency, and expanding access to secondary education across the district.
Concerns about the conduct of the UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) also featured prominently. Since its deployment on major water bodies, communities have repeatedly accused FPU personnel of high-handedness, extortion, and involvement in illegal fishing.
Although the FPU has denied these allegations, insisting that its operations follow the law, residents urged the next government to ensure transparency, fairness, and respect for the rights of lake-dependent communities.
Mafabi concluded his address by assuring the people of Busoga and the rest of the country that an FDC government would prioritise dignity, fairness, and development for all citizens.