The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General and presidential hopeful, Nandala Mafabi, took his campaign message to residents of Nyero Subcounty in Kumi District, delivering a fiery address that criticized the NRM government for corruption, unfulfilled promises, and what he described as years of economic destruction in Teso.
Mafabi, who has family ties in the region, opened his speech by thanking the people of Teso “for giving me the most beautiful woman in the world,” adding that he comes to them “as your own.”
He told supporters that the opposition’s manifesto is the strongest in the race, claiming President Museveni has begun copying key proposals. “When we say we have the best manifesto, now you see the president has started copying us,” he said.
Mafabi said Uganda is being held back by “greed, injustice and corruption,” and argued that the current administration is incapable of tackling these challenges.
“President Museveni cannot fight corruption because he has failed for 40 years,” he said, accusing the government of wasteful spending. “They are wasting millions on posters, banners and billboards for a man who has been president all this time.”
He criticized the government for the collapse of the once-thriving cotton industry in Teso, saying its destruction has pushed people into poverty.
“Our cotton was the best and most expensive in the world,” he said. “Now that it was killed, you have no cash. That is why you have become beggars.”
Mafabi promised to revive cotton farming and restore ginneries in the region if elected. “Give us an opportunity so you stop being beggars,” he urged the crowd.
Addressing long-standing grievances over unfulfilled compensation for cattle lost during past conflicts, Mafabi questioned why a court ruling ordering government to compensate families has not been honored.
“These people won’t compensate you. If he was serious, why can’t he give it to you now?” he said, vowing to implement compensation based on current market values. “If you lost 1,000 cows, you will be paid according to today’s price.”
He also criticized Speaker of Parliament Anita Among for reportedly claiming that Teso residents “do not demand anything from government,” saying such remarks show a disconnect from the struggles of ordinary people.
Mafabi accused President Museveni of adopting his proposals, including elderly support from age 65 and increased financing for local government.
“When I talked of giving villages Shs500 million per year, now he says he will increase PDM money to Shs200 million,” he said. “Why is he copying?”
He also questioned the government’s sudden interest in investing USD 30 million in Teso’s citrus industry. “Where have they been for 40 years?” he asked, referencing the region’s long struggle with poor markets for oranges.
Mafabi said boasted as the most credible alternative in the presidential race. “I am telling you now that I am the best in this race,” he said.
