Caps, gowns, and cash: Mafabi promises 1M for every graduate
Kampala, Uganda – The Electoral Commission (EC) on Wenesday officially nominated Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General, as a presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections.
Presiding over the ceremony, EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama outlined the obligations of all presidential candidates, including the appointment of official agents, submission of campaign schedules, and signing a memorandum of understanding on harmonized campaign timelines. Mafabi was also handed a security detail, a vehicle, and a soft copy of the National Voters Register as mandated under the Presidential Elections Act.
“You walked in an aspirant, now you are moving out as a candidate,” Justice Byabakama told Mafabi after signing the nomination papers. “The law provides that the state should provide you with 24-hour security. This begins today.”
Mafabi’s message: “Fixing the Economy”
Addressing journalists shortly after his nomination, Mafabi, 59, pledged to transform Uganda’s economy and governance structures. Introducing himself as a “servant leader,” the veteran legislator and economist promised to put “money in people’s pockets.”
“Our slogan is fixing the economy, money in our pockets,” Mafabi declared. “In 1986, President Museveni said the problem was insecurity. Now security is done. What remains is economic insecurity; poverty in our homes and pockets. That is why I have come to serve.”
He criticized the government’s handling of poverty and unemployment, pointing to statistics showing widespread deprivation despite official claims of GDP growth. “Poverty is not just numbers. It is about whether you can send your children to school, access health care, transport yourself, and live decently,” he said.
Focus on Farmers, Cooperatives, and Jobs
Drawing from his background in economics and cooperative leadership, Mafabi promised to revamp Uganda’s cooperative movement to support farmers. He singled out coffee, Uganda’s leading export, as an area that requires urgent government intervention.
“Kenya and Rwanda are fetching premium prices on the New York Stock Exchange for their coffee, while Uganda’s is undervalued. This must change under my leadership,” Mafabi said.
He vowed to channel funds directly to communities, pledging UGX 100 million annually for every village and parish to stimulate grassroots economic growth. “Instead of 10,000 shillings of handouts during elections, I will ensure sustainable funding that reaches the people,” he emphasized.
On employment, Mafabi said his government would prioritize productive sectors to create jobs for Uganda’s youth. He also pledged a UGX 1 million startup package for every graduate at graduation, promising to kickstart their careers and reduce post-university unemployment.
Governance, Debt, and Corruption
Responding to questions from the press, Mafabi criticized Uganda’s rising public debt and reliance on borrowing. He pledged to broaden the tax base, cut waste in public administration, and invest only in productive sectors.
“The reason our country is not moving forward is because of borrowing and mismanagement of public resources. Within three years, Uganda can run a surplus budget if corruption is blocked,” Mafabi asserted.
He further promised to empower oversight institutions such as the Auditor General, Inspectorate of Government (IGG), and Parliament by providing resources and enforcing their recommendations.
“Uganda has the best anti-corruption laws but lacks the political will to implement them. Under my government, institutions will work, and reports will be acted upon,” he said.
Building bridges, not walls
Mafabi framed his candidacy as one of reconciliation and unity. “I don’t come with hatred or anger. I come to build bridges where there are none, and repair those that are broken,” he said.
He acknowledged President Museveni’s four decades in power but urged Ugandans to embrace “new blood” to solve today’s challenges. “President Museveni has done what he can. The remaining period requires new leadership. It is time for him to rest as a senior citizen and advisor,” Mafabi said.
The FDC candidate said his campaign launch rally will be held in Katwe, a Kampala slum, to highlight his commitment to disadvantaged communities. He promised equitable access to health care, education, infrastructure, and social services for all Ugandans.
“Uganda belongs to all of us. Nobody applied to be born here, but we all deserve dignity and equal treatment. One Uganda, one people,” he concluded.
With his nomination secured, Mafabi joins a growing list of presidential hopefuls expected to challenge President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986.
