📷 Elections 2026: Mafabi explains FDC's  financial muscle

________________

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has said it is fully financing its own campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections, distancing itself from any government funding or external support.

Speaking to journalists in Hoima City on 8 October, FDC presidential flag bearer Nandala Mafabi said the party’s presidential and parliamentary campaigns are being bankrolled by its members and well-wishers, not the government.

“We fund our campaigns, not the government,” Mafabi stressed.

“We know Mr Museveni uses state resources and money from NRM aspirants, while other parties mobilise openly from their supporters. For us, individuals are footing the bills," he added.

At all his recent campaign rallies, Nandala and his campaign entourage move with a 25 car convoy throughout his campaigns across the country.

Mafabi revealed that FDC only received over sh670 million from the government’s recent disbursement of sh10 billion meant for all political parties, while the ruling NRM took the lion’s share.

“President Museveni gets 90% of that money, yet he already has access to state resources. We have chosen to run clean, transparent campaigns based on our members’ contributions. Our strength lies in the people who believe in change, not in state funding, as many people think Mr Museveni bought us,” Mafabi said.

FDC president Patrick Oboi Amuriat also noted that the party’s financial independence is part of its broader commitment to accountability and transparency.

“We are documenting everything, including the harassment we face at rallies. If it continues, we shall protest. But our mission remains clear to win this election through truth and people power,” he said.

After launching his regional campaign in the oil-rich Bunyoro subregion, Mafabi said FDC is focusing on reclaiming support in the Albertine belt by addressing long-standing issues of land grabbing, unemployment, and unequal oil revenue distribution.

“The oil in this region should be a blessing, not a curse,” he told supporters in Kigolobya Town Council, Buliisa District.

“My government will audit land allocations and compensate everyone who has lost land to powerful individuals hiding behind government projects.”

Mafabi criticised the NRM for using infrastructure projects such as new roads to benefit investors rather than locals.

“These roads are built to take away your blessing and leave you poor. In our government, the oil wealth will be shared with you. We shall employ your sons and daughters first, not foreigners,” he added.

The FDC campaign trail in Bunyoro has, however, faced police interruptions. In Hoima and Fort Portal, rallies were restricted or delayed due to operational reasons, as described by the police.

“We should be allowed to hold rallies freely. Police should only provide security, not dictate our movement,” Amuriat protested.

Despite the challenges, Mafabi remains optimistic about making electoral inroads in Bunyoro, traditionally an NRM stronghold.

“Last time’s election was a military operation under COVID restrictions. This time, the people will decide freely, and we are ready to win,” he said.

The FDC convoy continues its campaign today in Buliisa before heading to Masindi, with a promise to build a fairer, self-reliant Uganda powered by citizens rather than the state.