Kasese, Uganda: The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer, Nathan James Nandala Mafabi, has vowed to revive the Rwenzori region’s economy through cooperative unions and modern infrastructure, including the introduction of cable cars to ease mountain transport, should his party win the 2026 general elections.
Addressing a series of campaign rallies in Kasese District on Sunday, Mafabi thanked residents of Bukonzo County East for their unwavering loyalty to the opposition party over the last two decades.
“For 20 years, Bukonzo East has consistently voted FDC at all levels,” Mafabi said. “We thank you for standing firm with the struggle, and I ask you to continue supporting FDC flag bearers in the coming elections.”
Mafabi outlined his vision to strengthen the region’s agricultural backbone through the revival of cooperative unions for coffee and cocoa farmers. He said the cooperatives would help farmers access better markets, fair prices, and financial stability.
He further pledged that an FDC-led administration would invest in cable car systems to connect mountainous areas and ease transport challenges that have long hindered trade, tourism, and service delivery in the Rwenzori subregion.
“Our government will not just talk about development — we shall bring it closer to the people,” Mafabi stated. “Cable cars will transform mountain transport and open the region to business and tourism opportunities.”
Tribute to Rwenzururu Victims
The FDC presidential hopeful also paid tribute to victims of the November 2016 clashes at the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu Palace, calling the tragedy “a painful wound that must be healed with justice and reconciliation.”
“When FDC forms government, we shall support the reconstruction of the kingdom’s installations and promote peace and unity among our people,” Mafabi said to applause from the crowd.
During his tour, Mafabi made stopovers at Rwimi (Bunyangabu District), Rugendabara–Kikongo, Kiburara, Kinyamaseke, Kisinga, Kajwenge, and Kyondo, before addressing a main rally at Kyarumba Town Council playground.
In a symbolic gesture, Kasese District leaders, led by Chairman Eng. Ronald Kabuku presented Mafabi with a shield and spear as a mark of protection and trust.
Later, Mafabi and FDC Party President Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi appeared on Kasese Guide FM (100.5), where they addressed the greater Rwenzori region on FDC’s economic recovery plan under the theme “Fixing the Economy and Putting Money in Our Pockets.”
The following day, Mafabi’s caravan proceeded to Kamwenge District, where he addressed supporters in Kahunge Town Council. Women from Kasese gifted him a basket, which he described as symbolic of the people’s expectations.
“They gifted me a basket, a reminder that it must be filled,” Mafabi said. “We shall fill it with better roads, good schools, quality healthcare, and real opportunities for their children.”
However, the FDC team reported being blocked from accessing their venue in Rwamwanja, Kibale East, later that evening. The incident temporarily disrupted the campaign schedule, though Mafabi vowed to continue his regional engagements across the Tooro subregion, including Kamwenge and Fort Portal Tourism City.
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