Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has intensified his 2026 campaign trail with major rallies in Bukedea and Kumi districts, urging residents to support what he calls a “people-centred, corruption-free economic recovery plan.”
Speaking to thousands of supporters in Kamutur, Kachumbala, Bukedea Town Council, and parts of Kumi, Mafabi positioned himself as a long-time ally of Teso, describing himself as a “neighbor and son-in-law” who understands the region’s struggles better than any other candidate.
“I have been with you for long. I am married here, I am your neighbor, and I know your problems more than anyone else,” he said.
He warned residents against political intimidation, emphasizing that even high-ranking leaders must respect election laws. “If anyone intimidates you, that is a crime. We want a free and fair election, and I am ready to handle that,” Mafabi stated.
Recalling the 1979 famine, Mafabi highlighted how Teso families shared cattle with Bugisu communities, framing the upcoming election as a test of loyalty and shared struggle.
The FDC candidate criticized government poverty-alleviation programs, including Entandikwa, Prosperity for All, Operation Wealth Creation, and the Parish Development Model (PDM), calling them “empty slogans that kept people poor.”
He pledged shs100 million to every village annually, totaling shs500 million in five years, to be directly controlled by communities. Mafabi also promised to revive the cotton industry, rebuild cooperatives, ginneries, starch factories, and support small businesses.
Mafabi condemned the dominance of moneylenders in Uganda’s financial sector, pledging to restore the Cooperative Bank and Agriculture Bank with interest-free loans.
He accused the government of inflating road construction costs, awarding contracts to foreign companies while local youth remain unemployed.
“For one kilometre of road, they use money for 20 kilometres. Yet all materials come from here. Give us a chance to build roads cheaply and give jobs to youth and mothers,” he said.
Mafabi vowed to eliminate corruption, reduce taxes on basic commodities, and address the deteriorating quality of education in government schools. His promises include equal pay for teachers, government housing for teachers, free education from primary to university, and school meals for all learners.
Regarding healthcare, he criticized the government for weakening public facilities to favor private hospitals. Mafabi pledged to equip health facilities, ensure drug availability, and improve pay and housing for health workers.
He also promised social support measures, including shs60,000 monthly to senior citizens aged 65+, and prompt payments to pensioners and ex-combatants.
Mafabi concluded his rallies by urging Bukedea and Kumi residents to “lend him their vote” to end poverty, corruption, and economic hardship.
“We applied to God that He should be born in Uganda. We must build a country that respects its people, not rob them every day,” he said.