By Isaac Wandubile
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has set the Kigezi sub-region buzzing after a high-energy campaign tour through Rukungiri and Kanungu, where he promised jobs, development and an end to what he called years of deliberate neglect by the current government.
Addressing large crowds in Kebisoni, Buyanja, Rukungiri town, Nyamirama, Kihihi and Kanungu town councils, Nandala painted a grim picture of a country where citizens work tirelessly but remain poor.
He said it was unacceptable that Ugandans continue to struggle despite their hard work, accusing the ruling regime of failing to deliver meaningful services.
Nandala described Kigezi as a region rich in tea, coffee and tourism, yet unfairly trapped in poverty.
According to him, this poverty is not natural but political. He told supporters that under his leadership, the region would finally benefit from its resources through modern roads, factories and jobs.
He pledged that every district would see up to 200 kilometers of standard roads, alongside the establishment of agro-processing industries to add value to local agricultural produce. He said farmers would no longer be forced to sell their produce cheaply and youth would no longer roam the streets jobless, as his government would support small and medium businesses and provide seed capital to entrepreneurs.
The FDC candidate also promised improved healthcare and education services, as well as a monthly stipend of 60,000 shillings for elderly citizens, saying those who built the nation deserve dignity in their old age.
In one of the most emotional moments of his address, Nandala directly responded to calls from supporters demanding the release of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. He told the crowd that he was not responsible for Besigye’s imprisonment, placing the blame squarely on President Museveni. He reminded voters that Museveni had previously campaigned in Rukungiri and challenged them to ask him directly why Besigye remains behind bars.
Nandala then made a dramatic promise, telling the crowd that if they give him their vote, Besigye would be released immediately because he has no case to answer. He said he and Besigye have stood together in the struggle for change since the year 2000 and remain united.
As the rallies ended, Nandala urged voters to seize what he described as a rare opportunity to change the country’s direction. His message was clear and blunt: Uganda is rich, the people are hardworking, and only leadership failure stands in the way of progress. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
