Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi faced a hostile reception on Friday in Rukungiri District, the hometown of detained veteran opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, with residents accusing him of selling the party to President Museveni and betraying its founding ideals.
Mafabi arrived in Rukungiri Town at around 3:00 pm, accompanied by party chairman Jack Sabiiti, Western Region vice chairperson Robert Centenary and other officials.
Unlike past visits by senior opposition leaders, his convoy passed quietly through town before stopping near the taxi park, where he addressed a small crowd for about 10 minutes amid visible disinterest.
Angry residents accused Mafabi of collaborating with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party and aiding the arrest of Besigye, one of the founders of FDC and a native of the district.
FDC descended into internal turmoil in 2023, marked by accusations of “dirty state money,” rival power centres and tribalism, eventually leading to a split that saw Besigye and allies form the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) at Katonga.
“My regime will use your money, money collected from taxes, to deliver services at the grassroots level and I will also start good programs which will fix money in your pockets,” Mafabi told the crowd, going on to deny involvement in Besigye’s arrest.
Mafabi promised to secure the opposition strongman’s release if elected.
“If elected into the office of the president I will secure the release of our son Dr Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners. I also promise to fight corruption which has greatly hindered the development of country Uganda,” he said.
Mafabi dismissed claims that he sold FDC to Museveni, calling them “baseless and falseful.”
“You’re accusing me for no good reason. I did not sell your party. The party is still in existence and whoever feels to join us is highly welcomed,” he added.
Tensions escalated after Mafabi opened the FDC district office along Rubabo Road, with some residents openly confronting him and demanding that he leave the district, nearly triggering physical confrontations.
Mafabi’s convoy later departed for Kanungu District even as local residents voiced sharp criticism. “He is wasting his time. As Rukungiri people we shall not vote him neither his party flag bearers because he sold our party,” said David Mugisha, 34.
PFF district chairperson Aloysious Mugarura accused Mafabi of betraying both the party and the country.
“Our son is rotting in jail and he is here wasting our time. Let him campaign in other districts and leave Rukungiri alone,” he said.
Others defended his right to campaign. “Mafabi is a Ugandan like others and he has a right to campaign anywhere across Uganda,” said Hellen Baguma of Buyanja Town Council, though she added she would not vote for him.
According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, Mafabi is scheduled to continue campaigning in Kigezi Sub-county before moving to Kabale, Rubanda and Kisoro districts.
He is among seven candidates seeking to end President Museveni’s desire to rule Uganda beyond 40 years through the January 15, 2026 vote.
