The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, was on Saturday accorded a grand homecoming in Mbale, where he sought the blessings of his kinsmen in Bugisu before embarking on the national campaign trail.
Singing, dancing, and waving party colors, supporters escorted him in a triumphant procession that culminated in a rally at Cricket Grounds.
The event blended politics with festivity as music, dance, and entertainment energized the crowd.
Religious leaders, led by retired Bishop Patrick Gidudu, prayed for Nandala before handing him a spear, a shield, and a chair — powerful cultural symbols of leadership and authority.
In his address, Mafabi asked his people to rally behind his 2026 presidential bid, promising “serious leadership” for Uganda.
“This country is easy to fix. It can be fixed by being serious as workers, and one of the best workers is me,” he said.
Citing examples abroad, Mafabi accused the government of ignoring sound advice.
“We have advised governments in this world, and those who have listened, like Tanzania and India, are thriving. It is only our government that has refused because people are bent on doing things in the wrong direction. I come here with the medicine to ensure Uganda will be the best for all of us,” he said.
Mafabi described himself as a humble son of Bugisu who loves all Ugandans regardless of religion or ethnicity.
He called on his kinsmen to stand firmly behind his candidature as he prepares to take his message across the country.
He was accompanied by outgoing FDC president Patrick Amuriat, party chairperson Jack Sabiti, and several legislators including Soroti District Woman MP Joan Alobo, Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu, and Geoffrey Ekanya.
They urged Bugisu not to abandon their “own son” at such a pivotal moment.
The leaders praised Mafabi’s academic and professional credentials, presenting him as one of the most educated among the presidential contenders.
They highlighted his background as a lawyer, economist, and farmer, endorsing him as the right man to steer Uganda into a new era.
