Buvuma District, Uganda – Opposition leader and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Nathan Nandala Mafabi has promised to bring electricity and economic transformation to the long-neglected islands of Buvuma, pledging to construct a large-scale fish factory if elected president in next year’s general elections.
Mafabi made the bold declaration on Tuesday as he spent his second official campaign day canvassing for votes across the scattered islands of Lake Victoria that make up Buvuma district.
His visit was marked by hopeful crowds and high expectations from locals who have endured years of underdevelopment.
Addressing a mid-day mini rally at Kadindili village, a lakeshore community with stunning views and staggering poverty levels, Mafabi delivered what he called his “promise of prosperity.”
“This is our lake and everything in it belongs to all of us. I don’t see why poverty should kill us when we have this lake as a God-given treasure to us. If you vote for me, my plan is to start up a serious fish factory in this district of Buvuma,” said Mafabi, his voice rising over cheers from fishermen and residents gathered at the rally.
He emphasized that the proposed factory would serve as an economic lifeline for locals who depend almost entirely on fishing for survival.
“That factory, I’m very much sure, will elevate our people’s status financially and put money in our pockets—just like our campaign message puts it,” he added, reinforcing his party’s mantra focused on economic empowerment.
Mafabi didn’t stop at fisheries. He also vowed to tackle the district’s deep-rooted infrastructure problems, pledging to upgrade road networks and, crucially, connect Buvuma to the national electricity grid—a promise that drew loud applause from an island community that has spent decades in darkness.
“Apart from working on our roads, I want to assure you that we shall connect this district and bring electricity to this place,” Mafabi said passionately. “There is nowhere it’s written that Buvuma as a district must never have electricity. We must have power all over this place.”
His promises come amid increasing political activity as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections. Mafabi, a veteran opposition figure, launched his campaign on Monday with rallies in Buikwe district, concluding his day in Njeru Town Council’s UEB quarters, where he attracted sizable crowds.
His next stop is Iganga District, where he is expected to campaign on Wednesday, October 1st, continuing his cross-country journey to win the mandate to unseat the current regime and occupy State House.
As the political winds shift and island communities like Buvuma finally find their voices heard on the national stage, Mafabi’s pledges of power, roads, and prosperity could become key issues that define the electoral tide.
