Mafabi ends Busoga campaign with message of economic revival, pride

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential hopeful Nathan Nandala Mafabi has concluded a five-day campaign tour of Busoga region, rallying thousands with promises of economic transformation, anti-corruption, and cultural recognition.

Mafabi’s campaign kicked off on 29th September in Buikwe district in what many described as a triumphant homecoming. Though born in Bugisu, the seasoned legislator reminded crowds that Busoga is his adopted home, where he was raised, studied, and currently resides.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential hopeful Nathan Nandala Mafabi during his campaign. (File)

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential hopeful Nathan Nandala Mafabi. (File)

“This is my home. I have a family and businesses here. I studied at Busoga College Mwiri, and it’s from this land that I gained my political and personal grounding,” Mafabi told supporters at his inaugural rally in Njeru.

Dressed in a short-sleeved blue shirt, the party’s colour and flanked by a convoy of over 50 vehicles, Mafabi received an enthusiastic welcome across all six districts visited of Buikwe, Buvuma, Buyende, Iganga, Kamuli, and Jinja.

At the heart of Mafabi’s message was economic renewal, fixing the economy, putting money in people’s pockets. He pledged to allocate sh100 million to every village annually, financed by redirecting the sh10 trillion he says is lost to corruption each year.

“This is not just a promise, it’s a policy. Uganda has over 72,000 villages, and each must benefit from national resources,” he said.

Busoga, plagued by poverty, poor infrastructure, and limited access to services, responded positively to Mafabi’s grassroots economic focus. On the Kamuli-Buyende road, where his main campaign vehicle broke down due to poor road conditions, he reiterated his pledge to prioritise infrastructure development.

Mafabi greeted by voters. (File/New Vision)

Mafabi addresses voters during one of his campaigns. (File/New Vision)

“We are going to reclaim Jinja as Uganda’s industrial city and extend electricity to every household, even peasants must be able to cook with electricity,” he said.

Mafabi also used his platform to rally support for Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, vowing to return her to national leadership.

“Kadaga treated all of us fairly in Parliament. She is an asset to this nation. She mentored many of us, regardless of party affiliation, and I will work with her in my government,” he declared.

Mafabi also made a strong appeal in Busoga, urging voters to see him as Busoga’s remaining political hope.

“Busoga had Specioza Wandera Kazibwe, then Kadaga. Now they have been sidelined. What remains is Mafabi. If you do not vote for me, the Eastern region risks being wiped off the political map because we have become a sleeping giant.”

In a rare political tone, Mafabi steered clear of divisive rhetoric. Instead, he acknowledged achievements made by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), while criticising its failures in infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and healthcare.

“The NRM has done some good over the past 40 years. But today, Ugandans still face poverty, poor roads, and crumbling health systems. We must do better,” he said.

Voices From the Ground

Local FDC candidates echoed concerns from their communities. Paulo Ngobi, aspiring MP for Budiope West, highlighted ongoing land disputes in Buyende.

“Our people are being evicted after minerals were discovered. No compensation, no relocation plan. Even our boys have been chased from the lake by soldiers and forced into boda boda riding. We feel forgotten.”

Derrick Mukakanya, contesting Kigulu North, urged Mafabi to support sugarcane and coffee farmers.

“Sugarcane prices must be increased to at least sh 400,000 per tonne. These factories are exploiting us. We also want support for coffee farming. Mafabi is one of East Africa’s most successful farmers and understands our struggle.”

Beyond policy, Mafabi’s campaign trail doubled as a mobile celebration of Busoga’s vibrant culture. Four sound systems accompanied the 50-car convoy, live Kadodi drummers, and local entertainers, transforming each rally into a political carnival.

Popular musician Khalifah Aganaga, draped in blue and waving the FDC flag, fired up crowds before Mafabi took to the stage, delivering what he called the blue gospel.

Traditional Kadodi music, deeply rooted in eastern Uganda’s identity, featured prominently, drawing energetic youth crowds and reinforcing Mafabi’s connection to the region.

Security interference was minimal throughout the five-day campaign, save for a brief incident in Iganga where police attempted to block access via the main road. The matter was resolved peacefully, and the team continued without major disruptions.

Mafabi was accompanied by FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat, his wife Florence Nandala, and other party flagbearers from the region, showing a united front as the party aims to reclaim ground in the east.

With his Busoga tour now complete, Nathan Nandala Mafabi has positioned himself not only as a presidential contender but as a son of the region, one who brings both a local touch and national vision.

His message of economic empowerment, infrastructure investment, and restoring Busoga’s political status seemed to have struck a chord as hundreds of people who attended his rallies cheered on whenever he mentioned something they believed affected them, especially Kadaga, the lake, sugarcane prices and poverty.

“I am going to immediately remove the army from the lake, raise the price of sugar cane to stop farmer exploitation, and revive the glory of Busoga. Busoga, you are going to lead this democratic change,” he noted.