Kasese — Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi has promised to rebuild the Rwenzori region’s economy through cooperatives and improved infrastructure, pledging to “put money in the pockets of Ugandans” if elected.
While addressing a series of rallies in Kasese District on Sunday, Mafabi thanked residents of Bukonzo County East for their steadfast support for the opposition party over the last two decades.
“For 20 years, Bukonzo East has consistently voted FDC at all levels,” Mafabi said. “We thank you for standing firm with the struggle, and I ask you to continue supporting FDC flag bearers in the coming elections.”
Mafabi also expressed sympathy to families of those who died during the November 2016 clashes at the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu palace, describing the incident as “a tragedy that should never have happened.”
“We were deeply hurt by the attack on Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu,” he said. “When FDC forms government, we shall support the reconstruction of the kingdom’s installations and promote peace and unity among our people.”
He announced that an FDC-led administration would revive cooperative unions to help farmers in the coffee and cocoa value chains access markets and better prices.
Mafabi further committed that, if elected, the FDC government “will establish cable cars to ease transportation in the mountainous areas” of the Rwenzori subregion.
During the tour, Mafabi made stopovers at Rwimi (Bunyangabu District), Rugendabara–Kikongo, Kiburara, Kinyamaseke, Kisinga, Kajwenge, and Kyondo, before addressing a main rally at Kyarumba Town Council playground.
At one of the stops, Kasese District leaders, led by Chairman Eng. Ronald Kabuku presented him with a shield and spear as a symbol of protection.
Later in the evening, Mafabi and FDC Party President Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi addressed the greater Rwenzori subregion live on Kasese Guide FM (100.5), focusing on the party’s economic recovery message.
The following day, the campaign caravan moved to Kamwenge District, where Mafabi addressed supporters in Kahunge Town Council. He was also presented with a basket by women of Kasese, which he said symbolised the people’s expectations of better governance.
“They gifted me a basket — a reminder that this basket must be filled,” Mafabi told supporters. “We shall fill it with better roads, good schools, quality healthcare, and real opportunities for their children.”
However, the campaign faced a setback later in the day when the FDC team reported being blocked from accessing their venue in Rwamwanja, Kibale East, Kamwenge District.
The FDC presidential candidate continues his campaign in the Tooro subregion, with rallies expected in Kamwenge and Fort Portal Tourism City under the theme “Fixing the Economy and Putting Money in Our Pockets.”