EDITOR
FDC presidential candidate Nandala Mafabi faced a hostile reception in Rukungiri District on Friday, with residents accusing him of undermining the party’s progress and implicating him in the arrest of Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Besigye was arrested on November 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside his aide Obeid Lutale. Both are currently remanded at Luzira Prison on charges of treachery and unlawful possession of firearms. Prosecutors claim that between February 2023 and November 2024, the duo held meetings in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi, where they allegedly sought logistical support and identified military targets in Uganda, intending to undermine the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Meanwhile, opposition activist Sam Mugumya was reportedly abducted on August 26 by plain-clothed armed men from a hotel in Nyamitanga, Mbarara City. His whereabouts remain unknown.
As Mafabi began his campaign in the Kigezi region, starting in Rukungiri District, business and political activity in town remained largely unchanged, with only a few campaign posters displayed. When he arrived in Rukungiri Town at around 3:00 p.m., accompanied by Party Chairman Jack Sabiiti and Western Region Vice Chairperson Robert Centenary, many residents appeared disinterested.
Unlike the usual grand receptions for top FDC leaders—typically held at Rukungiri Municipal Stadium or the main roundabout—Mafabi and his convoy drove quietly through town without stopping to greet supporters. They only paused near the Rukungiri bus and taxi park along Karegyesa Road, where they addressed a small crowd for about 30 minutes.
Turnout was low, and enthusiasm was minimal. As Sabiiti and Centenary spoke, passersby jeered, accusing the leaders of contributing to the decline of the party and Besigye’s continued detention. In response, Sabiiti and Centenary dismissed the allegations, saying they were equally distressed by Besigye’s imprisonment and were praying for his immediate and unconditional release.
Addressing the crowd, Mafabi denied involvement in Besigye’s arrest and pledged that, if elected president, he would secure the release of Besigye and other political prisoners. He also promised to fight corruption and ensure taxpayers’ money is used to deliver services at the grassroots level.
After the rally, Mafabi proceeded to Rubabo Road to officially open the district party office, but tensions escalated again as some residents verbally confronted him, demanding he leave Rukungiri immediately. Voters, including Stephen Besigye, Aloysious Mugarura, and Patrick Batuma, accused Mafabi of betrayal and insisted he should never return to the district. Heated exchanges nearly resulted in physical confrontations between locals and Mafabi’s team.
Following the tense scenes, Mafabi and his convoy departed for Kanungu District for another campaign engagement. According to the Electoral Commission’s roadmap, he is scheduled to continue his campaigns on Saturday in Kabale, Rubanda, and Kisoro districts.
