"If You Vote Me As President, Your Pockets Will Be Full Of Money Every Time" Nandala Mafabi Pledges Economic Change

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential aspirant Nathan Nandala Mafabi has officially launched his campaign, saying he comes into the race with no bitterness. “I come with no hatred. We are coming into this election with no antagonism toward everyone,” he told journalists on Wednesday morning before heading to the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters in Lweza for nomination.

Nandala acknowledged President Museveni’s long rule, saying, “President Museveni has ruled for 40 years and we thank him, but he can’t move on.” He emphasized that Ugandans can trust him to bring socio-economic transformation and improve livelihoods across the country.

He also challenged rival opposition leaders, singling out Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda. “Lukwago wanted to be the President but he sees himself as a Lord Mayor. I would be happy to see him or Ssemujju on the ballot standing for the Presidency,” Nandala said, urging them to contest.

The FDC has experienced internal divisions in recent years. Once-united factions split after allegations that ‘dirty’ money from State House was used to weaken the opposition, reportedly reaching Nandala and party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi. This caused a bitter split within the party, creating rival groups.

At around 9:30 a.m., the FDC team arrived at Lweza for Nandala’s official nomination. The EC successfully nominated him, providing a presidential vehicle, security detail, and a soft copy of the national voters’ register. This marked the formal start of his campaign journey.

After his nomination, Nandala highlighted his economic agenda under the slogan “Fixing the Economy, Money in Your Pockets.” “Vote for me and your pockets will never run dry,” he told journalists, promising that his leadership would ensure better incomes and financial stability for ordinary Ugandans.

He further explained, “I am standing to fix the economy. When President Museveni came here, he said he wanted to fix security. Now security is done, I have come to fix the economy,” signaling that economic revival is the core of his campaign.

Reflecting on past elections, Nandala criticized the militarization of politics. He recalled how the FDC’s previous presidential candidate was arrested and nominated without shoes, and he called for equal security for all candidates during campaigns to ensure a fair and peaceful election.

Nandala pledged to tackle Uganda’s pressing challenges, including corruption, poverty, high debt, governance issues, and weaknesses in agriculture, health, and education. He promised practical solutions aimed at improving the daily lives of ordinary Ugandans.

The presidential aspirant is expected to address his first public rally this afternoon at Kampala Playground, Butabika Parish, Nakawa Division. Supporters are eagerly awaiting his speech, which is expected to set the tone for a campaign focused on economic revival, fairness, and inclusive leadership.