Buvuma gives FDC's Mafabi five key tasks if elected President of Uganda
From youth to elders, every resident who got the opportunity to speak echoed the same demands: Improved roads, better education, access to electricity, functioning healthcare and control of the lake returned to the people.
Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate spent the whole day in Buvuma Islands convincing the Islanders to vote him. He made stop over in several treading centers and made the final rally at Lakali landing Site. (Photos by Alfred Ochwo)
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The path to Uganda’s top office is always lined with promises from presidential hopefuls, matched by demands from hopeful voters.
For Buvuma Island, September 30, 2025, which marked the second official day of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag-bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi’s campaign trail, the message from the people was clear: Five urgent issues need to be addressed.
From youth to elders, every resident who got the opportunity to speak echoed the same demands: Improved roads, better education, access to electricity, functioning healthcare and control of the lake returned to the people.
These priorities closely mirror the findings of the 2025 Citizen’s Manifesto by Vision Group, which also highlighted Buvuma's persistent challenges: Poor road networks, weak education infrastructure, lack of energy, limited healthcare access and military control over Lake Victoria.
Nasuuna Olive, the FDC’s aspiring District Woman Member of Parliament for Buvuma, voiced what she termed as grave concerns about the state of education. She revealed that the district has only three secondary schools, all of which operate in temporary and unsafe structures.
“These schools pose daily risks to both teachers and students, especially during harsh weather,” Nasuuna said.
Nasuuna also decried the military’s harsh treatment of local fishermen.
“The army has taken away all fishing nets from our youth and banned fishing altogether, yet no one has received the so-called recommended nets,” she claimed.
Local leaders echoed these concerns.
Racheal Anailongo, the Local Council Chairperson of Kadindili village, criticised the Government for allegedly failing to regulate fishing gear importation while punishing locals for using them.
“The economy of Buvuma has suffered ever since the army took control of the lake to fight illegal fishing. Yet these same nets are being allowed into the country by the Government,” Anailongo said.
Addressing multiple rallies across the islands, Nandala Mafabi pledged to return Lake Victoria to civilian control, saying it would be one of his first actions if elected. He promised to empower local governments to make independent decisions without waiting for directives from central authorities.
On education, Mafabi vowed to rebuild and expand secondary and primary schools in Buvuma as well ensure all teachers of arts and sciences receive equal and improved salaries.
In addition, Mafabi committed to establishing a fish processing factory to provide a stable market for local fishermen, constructing tarmacked roads to connect Buvuma internally and to neighbouring districts and building and upgrading health centers to improve access to medical services.
“Buvuma must no longer be left behind. We will bring roads, power, schools, and a functioning healthcare system. But first, we will give you back your lake,” Mafabi told cheering crowds.
Mafabi officially launched his campaign on Monday, September 29, in Buikwe district and concluded the day with a massive rally at the UEB Quarters in Njeru town council.
He is expected to continue his campaign trail today, Wednesday, October 1, in Iganga district, as he seeks the people’s mandate to lead Uganda.