In Abim, FDC's Nandala prays for peaceful elections

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi, on December 29, 2025, asked God for peaceful elections and national calm as Uganda entered the final 17 days before choosing its next five-year government.

Nandala made the call during Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Abim Catholic Church in Abim district, where he had spent the night after campaigning in the area the previous day. The service was held shortly before he launched his day’s campaigns in Kapelebyong and Amuria districts, where he later addressed large crowds.

The Mass was led by Father Frederick Wangera, who, at its conclusion, invited the presidential candidate to greet the congregation. The priest reminded worshippers that the church is a place for all people and must remain open to everyone without discrimination, even during a heated political season.

Addressing Christians, Nandala urged them to pray for peace, emphasising that stability must take precedence over political competition.

“My mothers and fathers, when you campaign, pray for us. We need a good election. We want to thank the church for giving us an opportunity to pray for us. We come here to ask God for forgiveness. We are not angels, but we are all sinners. And when we come to church, it is the only place we all run to because of the problems we go through,” Nandala said.

He said the Christmas season had given him time to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibility leaders carry, noting that his strongest Christmas wish was not personal gain but peace for the country.

“I ask God to be with all of us until January 15 so that we elect peacefully,” he said, warning that violence would only deepen the suffering of ordinary Ugandans.

Using the brief address, Nandala also outlined what he described as his credentials and intentions if elected president, presenting himself as a servant of the people rather than a ruler.

“We know we are all competing. We want God to come through every Christian, every Ugandan, to choose the right person. I believe I am the best person because I am God-fearing. I come with knowledge in economics, accounting, taxation and poverty. I have advised many governments all over the world, and those who have taken my advice are better off. That is why I come to be your employee, to serve you for only five years,” he said.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Wangera cautioned against portraying politics as a dirty activity, arguing that ethical responsibility lies with individuals.

“Politics is a holy game; it is the people who are sometimes dirty,” the priest said. “We want to live in peace. We listen to all candidates so that we can help our country make the right choice.”

After the church service, Nandala walked a short distance to Abim trading centre, where he addressed supporters before making stopovers at Kiro and Adair trading centres as he exited Abim District. Commenting on the poor state of infrastructure, he used the surroundings to underline his message on leadership and development.

“If this is the main street, what about the other streets?. This shows that this country needs a real head so that we can move it together,” he said.

The campaign trail later shifted to Lolachat subcounty and Nabilatuk town council in Nabilatuk district, then to Kapelebyong, where Nandala made his first stop at Alaral trading centre, followed by addresses at Lolachat Sub-county grounds, Kapelebyong town council and several other trading centres.

The rallies drew large crowds, with residents raising concerns about insecurity, poor schools, inadequate health services and deteriorating roads.

“We are frightened by insecurity. Our community does not have good schools; our children do not study well, and we do not have health services. The roads are terrible. We want assurance about fixing the economy and putting money in our pockets,” said Samuel Okello, a resident.

Nandala later proceeded to Amuria district, continuing his message of economic revival, improved infrastructure and peace.