By Mulengera Reporters
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has asked the people of Bugisu to rally behind his 2026 presidential bid, promising to deliver development, fair opportunities and dignity to communities he says have suffered decades of state abandonment.
Campaigning across the sub-region with party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Nandala said the upcoming election is a historic chance for Eastern Uganda to free itself from what he termed “40 years of captivity under the NRM government.”
Addressing mourners in Bungokho and later supporters in Namisindwa, Nandala said he is not fighting President Yoweri Museveni but is instead “thanking him for what he has done and asking him to retire peacefully.”
He argued that the incumbent has nothing new to offer Ugandans after nearly four decades in power, adding that the country has endured enough suffering.
He accused the government of presiding over widespread corruption, claiming that Uganda loses up to ten trillion shillings each financial year through theft of taxpayer money.
Nandala lamented the state of roads, schools and livelihoods in Bugisu, saying the region’s poverty is a direct result of deliberate government neglect.
He noted that farmers would be thriving if the government had tarmacked key roads to ease produce access to markets.
He promised to increase coffee prices to 60,000 shillings per kilogram, up from the current 17,000, arguing that such reforms would lift households out of poverty and restore hope among struggling farmers.
He further pledged to improve public services, including better pay for government workers such as teachers, health workers, Resident District Commissioners, artists and agricultural extension officers.
Unlike the current system, he said, his government would not discriminate in salaries or prioritize only science teachers.
Amuriat urged the people of Bugisu to unite behind Nandala regardless of existing party affiliations, saying the region’s overwhelming support is key to securing victory.
He told residents that they would not regret giving Nandala a five-year mandate, insisting that his leadership would deliver visible change.
In Namisindwa, supporters welcomed the FDC leader with a symbolic show of trust, gifting him a Bible, livestock, cultural instruments, a stool, spear and key.
Nandala said such gestures strengthened his resolve to fight corruption, improve infrastructure and restore equal opportunity for all citizens.
He promised that within five years, Uganda would become a better country for every citizen if voters choose change in 2026. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com). 
