By Isaac Wandubile
Forum for Democratic Change’s (FDC) Nathan Nandala Mafabi on Wednesday stormed Gulu District and Gulu City with fiery promises, bold attacks on President Museveni, and a call to Acholi people to “lend him their votes” so he can “bring back the glory” of the region.
Mafabi began his journey in Gulu District and later ended it in the city, moving deep into villages and dusty roads as is always his style. Excited crowds followed him as he told Acholi people that he had come with a plan to make them “shine again.”
He reminded them of their proud past, saying Acholi once had everything including the famous short-horned cows before they were forced into suffering and loss. “We are the only ones with a plan to compensate Acholi for their land, their cows and even their lives,” he said, accusing other politicians of lying and bringing empty promises.
Mafabi said if those promising compensation were serious, they would have already brought money for people to rebuild their homes and buy their own cows instead of “sweet-talking them during elections.” He told the gathering that his team is ready to take over government and stop what he called years of cheating.
He promised to revive the Acholi Cooperative Union and bring back the Cooperative and Agricultural Bank, saying farmers will have guaranteed markets and interest-free loans. He also attacked the government’s recent village handouts, calling them a trick: “They made research and discovered you are suffering, so they come to cheat you.”
The FDC giant accused President Museveni of wasting 40 years in power with nothing to show. He said village roads should have been covered in tarmac long ago, and medicine should never be missing in hospitals. “When I say we will equip hospitals, Museveni says he will arrest people stealing medicines. Where has he been for 40 years?” he asked, drawing loud cheers.
Mafabi said Uganda loses UGX 10 trillion every year through corruption, enough to fix all roads, hospitals and schools. He vowed to reduce taxes from 30 percent to 10 percent, pay teachers better, house them properly and let their children study for free up to university.
He told Acholi people that the rising poverty, greed and injustice in the country are the reason he is seeking their votes. He warned them about new government programs that appear during election seasons: “They bring these things to blindfold you. After elections, they forget you.”
Mafabi ended his tour urging Gulu to give him a chance to serve. “We are the only ones with experience to fix this country. Lend us your votes and you will see the change you need,” he said before heading off the dusty village track surrounded by cheering supporters. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
