11/October/2025
by Y.Emma#lcctv reporter
LIRA, UGGANDA – The Opposition Chief Whip and Secretary General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has concluded a strategic two-day tour of the Lango sub-region, signaling a push to reinvigorate the party’s grassroots support ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The tour, which focused on the districts of Lira and Apac, was framed as a “budget consultation and mobilization” exercise but carried strong political undertones, emphasizing accountability and a renewed opposition agenda.
In his addresses to party leaders and supporters, Nandala Mafabi directly confronted the internal conflicts that have recently plagued the FDC. He acknowledged the divisions but called for unity, framing the upcoming electoral cycle as a critical juncture for the party and the country.
“The disagreements we have are the growing pains of a strong democracy. But now, we must put them aside. The people of Lango and all Ugandans are tired of the suffering under the NRM. The FDC is regrouping, refocusing, and ready to offer a credible alternative. We are here to listen to your concerns and carry your voice to Parliament.”
Mafabi tailored his message to resonate with the specific economic challenges facing the Lango sub-region. He highlighted issues of poverty, poor service delivery, and the need for agricultural support.
He criticized the government’s handling of programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), labeling them as “poorly implemented” and “insufficient” to lift farmers out of poverty. He promised that the FDC would champion policies for better agricultural financing and market access.
Mafabi pointed to the state of health centers and schools in the region, questioning the allocation and use of public funds. He engaged with youth groups, promising that a revitalized FDC would prioritize job creation and skills development.
As the Opposition Chief Whip, Mafabi emphasized his parliamentary duty of overseeing the national budget. He met with local government officials and community members to gather firsthand accounts of how national funds are being utilized at the local level, suggesting a more aggressive opposition approach to holding the government accountable for budgetary allocations to the north.
This tour is seen by political analysts as a significant move for several reasons: The Lango sub-region has historically been a competitive area for opposition parties, including the FDC. The tour is a direct effort to consolidate this support and counter the ruling NRM’s influence in the region.
This is one of the first major grassroots mobilization efforts by the FDC’s “Najjanankumbi” faction, led by Party President Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary General Nandala Mafabi, since the public fallout with the “Katonga” faction led by Dr. Kizza Besigye. The tour is a clear signal that the party leadership is moving forward with its agenda, aiming to project an image of stability and purpose.
With the next general elections two years away, this visit is a classic early campaign strategy. It allows Mafabi to gauge the political temperature, reconnect with local structures, and set the narrative for the FDC’s campaign in the north.
Local FDC leaders in Lango have welcomed the visit, describing it as a much-needed morale booster. The party structures have been tasked with identifying new members and preparing for vigorous voter registration drives.
The tour underscores Hon. Nandala Mafabi’s central role not just as a senior legislator from Budadiri West, but as a key strategist tasked with rebuilding the FDC’s national appeal, starting with traditional opposition strongholds like Lango.
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