By Isaac Wandubile
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has urged voters in Bugisu Sib Region to reject President Yoweri Museveni, accusing him of repeatedly making empty promises and implementing policies that have harmed the region’s farmers.
While addressing rallies in Bududa District, Nandala Mafabi reminded supporters of past government advice that encouraged farmers to replace coffee trees with pepper, avocado and silk worm, a move he said contributed to a decline in coffee production and left many households struggling.
Nandala Mafabi positioned himself as a leader committed to improving the livelihoods of ordinary Ugandans, especially coffee farmers who form the backbone of Bugisu’s economy.
Drawing on his experience as chairperson of the Bugisu Cooperative Union, he pointed to his role in negotiating an increase in coffee prices from 1,000 to 18,000 shillings per kilogram.
He pledged that if elected president, he would push the price further to 60,000 shillings, saying increased incomes for farmers would stimulate local economies, create employment in the coffee value chain and improve living standards across the region.
The FDC candidate also took his message beyond agriculture, promising a government that prioritizes quality education, better healthcare and more inclusive economic opportunities.
He spoke of plans to provide free education, ensure equal pay for teachers and offer one million shillings to university graduates to ease their transition into the job market.
He said an FDC government would equip hospitals with reliable medical supplies and functional equipment, and would introduce a monthly stipend of 60,000 shillings for senior citizens aged 65 and above.
Nandala Mafabi criticized what he described as years of corruption, mismanagement and neglect of social services under the NRM government, urging voters to elect FDC leaders who, he said, would restore accountability and fairness.
Analysts observing the campaign noted that his proposals on coffee pricing and education could have significant implications for households, with the potential to reduce poverty, expand economic opportunities and improve social mobility, though they warned that successful implementation would require strong institutional support and adequate funding.
After concluding his engagements in Bududa, Nandala Mafabi continued his campaign trail to Tororo, where he was expected to deliver the same message of economic renewal, social welfare and political change as the election season intensifies. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
