Nandala starts Buganda campaigns from Luwero, Nakasongola

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Presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has launched his Buganda region campaign in the districts of Luwero and Nakasongola.

According to Mafabi, who is the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party flag-bearer, the two districts symbolise both the political history and the unfulfilled promises of the current government.

Addressing multiple rallies in Luwero's Busiika, Kikyusa, Zirobwe before proceeding to Nakasongola, Nandala said he chose the region because of the rampant poverty and deep sense of betrayal felt by communities that played a central role in bringing President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power.

He told crowds that Luwero, often referred to as the Mecca of the NRM, should have been one of Uganda’s most developed regions, yet it remains trapped in poverty, land disputes, and failing social services.

“I thought you were doing well since the NRM came into power using Luwero. But I am surprised to see the poverty here. Just like Bugisu, Luwero is an agricultural district. It should not be struggling like this,” he said.

I will get you out of poverty

Nandala said Buganda, Luwero in particular, should not continue suffering when it is the very place that ushered the current government into power nearly four decades ago. He argued that the same route that brought the NRM to the helm is the same route through which Ugandans can remove it.

He promised to compensate residents who lost property during the 1981–1986 liberation war, pledging that payments would include accumulated interest.

“Many people here lost their animals, homes and relatives. My government will honour you and include interests for all the properties and lives lost,” he said.

The presidential hopeful also decried the state of roads in the region and accused the Government of failing to deliver basic services.

In Nakasongola town, he spoke firmly about the need for change and pleaded with voters to support him so he could help Ugandans out of poverty.

“My people of Nakasongola, you are the owners of votes, and you decide who becomes president. I hear that in this place, even cows vote. Please don’t allow cows to vote, too. I have done an assessment as a villager like you, and I know what you are going through,” he said.

Nandala promised a village-based development model where every village would receive shillings 100 million annually to uplift local livelihoods. He said the Government has enough money but lacks discipline and accountability. It should, however, be noted that the Government is already having a related initiative under the Parish Development Model where each parish receives shillings 100 million revolving fund every financial year, with plans of doubling the funding next financial year.

“I know you saw what I did to corrupt officials when I chaired the Public Accounts Committee. If you vote for me, I will stop this theft,” he said.

He pledged mechanised agriculture for Nakasongola, promising tractors at every subcounty to boost production. He also reaffirmed FDC’s wider manifesto commitments.

In Buganda, particularly Luweero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola, land insecurity remains a burning issue marked by illegal evictions, land fragmentation and manipulation of land laws. Nandala said Buganda cannot prosper until its people have secure land tenure.

He vowed to overhaul the 1998 Land Act and the 1995 Constitution to close loopholes that have allowed land grabbers to exploit communities. His plan includes simplifying the registration of customary land rights and imposing strict controls on special land titles.

“We shall ensure that all land cases are resolved within two years,” he said, adding that women’s land rights would also be fully enforced.

Voices

At Kikyusa Trading Centre, Augustine Mubiru said residents were struggling to meet basic needs.

“Roads are a big issue, but all this goes back to poverty. Pineapple farmers cannot even transport their produce,” he highlighted.

FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo said Buganda coffee farmers were excited about Nandala’s visit.

“Bugisu has benefitted a lot from his leadership in Bugisu Co-operative Union and coffee farming through the cooperative union. We want Buganda to have the same opportunity,” he said.

Thomas Lugalama, the FDC flag-bearer for Bamunanika, urged Nandala to prioritise agriculture, education and health in the district.

“Luwero used to be a giant in education, but it is no more. Our hospitals lack drugs, and the roads are in the worst state,” he noted.

Buganda, home to over 11 million people according to the 2024 census, remains a politically decisive region. Nandala’s choice to begin his Buganda campaigns in Luweero and Nakasongola was both a symbolic and strategic message that the region’s long-standing grievances deserve urgent attention.

As he continues his campaign journey, Nandala will be in Makindye and Entebbe on Thursday, November 27.