Nandala wraps up Kigezi tour, pledges formal role for clerics in govt

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag-bearer Nandala Mafabi has concluded his campaign tour of Kigezi region with a strong pledge to formally include clerics in government decision-making, promising a dedicated budget to support faith institutions and their leaders across the country.

Wrapping up his tour over the weekend and into Monday (December 15, 2025), Nandala took his message of economic transformation and inclusive governance to the districts of Rukiga, Ntungamo, Rwampara and Isingiro, holding a series of roadside engagements, town centre rallies and party activities that drew supporters from across the sub-region.

In Rukiga, the Opposition candidate made several stopovers in Bukinda town council (TC), Muhanga TC, Ramuchuchu and Nyeihanga TCs, Rwampara district, where he was received by FDC national chairperson Jack Sabiti, a former area Member of Parliament.

Addressing Rukiga residents, many of whom depend on tea as a cash crop, Nandala urged farmers not to uproot their plantations despite persistent complaints about low prices and rising production costs.

He assured them that an FDC government would prioritise improved extension services, better regulation of the sector and fairer returns for farmers.

“Tea is a long-term investment. What has failed is not the crop, but the system around it,” he said, pledging reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the sector.

New FDC offices in Ntungamo

The Kigezi tour also took Nandala to Ntungamo district, where he officially opened a new FDC party office located at the Ntungamo taxi park. Party officials said the office will serve as a hub for mobilisation, recruitment and coordination of campaign activities in the district and neighbouring areas.

“This office is not just a symbol; it is a working centre for organising our people and strengthening the party structures,” Nandala told supporters, as he urged them to remain peaceful and vigilant in the run-up to the polls.

You cannot separate religion from politics

However, it was during his final rallies in Isingiro and Rwampara that Nandala placed renewed emphasis on the role of religious leaders in national life, unveiling what he described as a structured and dignified approach to state engagement with faith institutions.

In an interview, Nandala said his manifesto clearly outlines a special package for religious leaders, arguing that their contribution to society has long been acknowledged rhetorically but neglected in practice.

“Religious leaders participate in doing a lot of things. First of all, they are the ones who link us between the earth and the gods. In most cases, many of the leaders who come into government take advantage of them,” he said.

He criticised what he described as an undignified culture in which religious leaders are forced to rely on presidential goodwill for basic support, such as vehicles or infrastructure.

“You see a bishop being consecrated, and the President has to send a car. For us, it will be in the budget. Everything for the religious institutions will be in the budget, approved properly. You don’t need to look for a President to give you an offer,” he said.

Under his proposal, support for religious institutions would be formally appropriated by Parliament, eliminating the need for ad hoc presidential donations.

Nandala added that his government would make annual contributions towards capital development for churches, mosques and other faith-based institutions, placing them on the same footing as cultural institutions.

“As you do to cultural institutions, the same should happen to religious institutions,” he said.

Nandala’s remarks came against the backdrop of widespread public concern over reports of the alleged kidnapping of a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese, an incident that has sparked condemnation from religious leaders and human rights activists.

Nandala said he was deeply disturbed by the reports and strongly condemned the alleged actions of security forces.

“I was very concerned when I saw that on social media. That is unfortunate. I don’t think it was right for the UPDF or whoever to go and kidnap a religious leader,” he said.

He warned that targeting clergy undermines fundamental freedoms and sends a chilling message to the wider public.

“People go to church or mosque for solace. If a religious leader has committed a crime, there are lawful procedures. This election is really having a problem. They want to gag the people, which is dangerous,” he said, calling on President Yoweri Museveni to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mafabi said globally, religious institutions have historically played political roles, adding that it is contradictory for leaders to court religious support during campaigns while later seeking to silence them.

Army's stand

However, the army, in a statement on December 14, accused the Masaka priest of subversive activities. 

Acting Director, Defence Public Information Col. Chris Magezi, in a statement, said Ssekabira was in "lawful custody" over allegations of involvement in violent subversive activities against the state.

“He will be produced in courts of law and charged accordingly,” Magezi said, but did not explain the charges the state would prefer against him.

With the Kigezi tour concluded, Nandala has today, Monday, December 15, shifted his campaign trail to the Ankole region.

He is expected to hold rallies in Mbarara district, Mbarara City and Lwengo, as the countdown to polling day enters its final 30 days.