Nakapiripirit, Uganda: The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Hon. James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has pledged to spearhead the transformation of the Karamoja sub-region, saying his government will prioritize equitable development, end land grabbing, and ensure that mineral wealth benefits the local communities.
Nandala made the remarks on Monday, October 20, while addressing supporters at Namalu Trading Centre in Nakapiripirit District, as his 2026 presidential campaign trail entered the Karamoja region.
He accused the current government of neglecting Karamoja despite the region’s vast mineral deposits, saying residents continue to languish in poverty while outsiders benefit from the area’s natural resources.
“A lot of minerals are being siphoned from Karamoja but there are no traces of development to show. My government will ensure that Karamoja’s wealth benefits its people. We shall end the exploitation and ensure justice for the communities,” Nandala said.
The FDC Presidential candidate vowed to stop land grabbing in the mineral-rich region, saying many Karamojongs have been displaced without compensation. “Many people have been chased off their land due to mineral discoveries, yet none has been compensated. This must stop. Under my leadership, every Ugandan’s land rights will be protected,” he emphasized.
Nandala, who became the first Umusaba in Uganda’s history to be cleared to contest for the presidency, was nominated by the Electoral Commission during the national nomination exercise held on September 23 and 24 at Lweza–Lubowa, Wakiso District.
Delivering his campaign message, the FDC strongman said Uganda’s future must be built on honesty, hard work, and integrity rather than reliance on foreign loans.
“Our future should not be built on borrowed money but on honesty, hard work, and integrity. When we fight corruption, protect livelihoods, and create real opportunities, we restore pride to our nation and prosperity to our people,” he told supporters.
He further promised to promote inclusive economic growth and fight corruption, which he said has crippled Uganda’s development potential.
According to one elder from Bugisu who spoke to DailyExpress, “If it were about the best manifesto, Nandala would have already won with a landslide.”
Since the official campaign kickoff on September 29, 2025, Nandala has maintained steady progress across the country despite sporadic encounters with security personnel blocking access to some campaign venues.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
