Nandala Mafabi’s Tuesday visit to Kasangati was marked by low turnout, public questioning over his fallout with Kizza Besigye, and a brief clash with police on Gayaza Road. Kasangati, historically an FDC stronghold, sits close to Dr Kizza Besigye’s home—a traditional launch point for his campaigns. Residents used Mafabi’s stopover to question his break with Besigye, accusing him of sidelining a leader they still trust.
Barry Mukisa, an FDC supporter, linked the cold reception to Mafabi’s fallout with Besigye, a figure the community continues to respect. “Many residents feel betrayed by the split and no longer respond to FDC leaders aligned with the Najjanankumbi wing,” Mukisa said. He also highlighted the strong turnout for Bobi Wine the previous day, contrasting it with the muted interest in Mafabi’s visit.
Dr Besigye, a former presidential candidate, has spent years accusing top FDC leaders of colluding with President Museveni. The resulting fallout fractured the party, with Besigye moving with the Katonga faction to form the People’s Front for Freedom, while Nandala Mafabi remained with the Najjanankumbi group.
Annet Mulindwa, another Kasangati resident, noted the FDC’s diminished influence in the area. “FDC campaigning here used to be a public holiday, but look for yourself,” she said, pointing to the small roadside crowd that had gathered to hear Mafabi.
Several residents said they were unaware of Mafabi’s visit, with some only noticing the convoy as it drove through the trading center. Alex Ssekidde, a shop owner, compared Mafabi unfavorably to other candidates who announce their stopovers in advance.
Inside Mafabi’s campaign team, coordination issues were evident. Some members complained about weak mobilisation by the Kampala team, noting that posters were being pinned up as Mafabi addressed the crowd—usually an activity completed earlier. Mafabi’s brief stopover in Kasangati lasted less than ten minutes.
During his address, he criticised the Museveni government’s taxation policies, arguing that they are poorly implemented and force many small businesses to close. He cited the high levies on the boda boda sector, which have increased costs for both riders and passengers, and promised that, if elected, he would ensure taxes are fair and directed to benefit citizens.
Mafabi also raised concerns over money laundering, accusing corrupt officials of using it to hide funds looted from Uganda. He pledged that his leadership would prioritize putting money back into the pockets of ordinary Ugandans. From Kasangati, the convoy proceeded along Gayaza Road for the next stopover. Tensions escalated when the team stopped in the middle of the busy road, creating heavy traffic.
The Kasangati DPC attempted to push Mafabi away from the vehicle as he spoke, insisting that the convoy clear the road. A brief clash ensued when one member of Mafabi’s team reportedly punched the DPC. Police officers intervened to protect their commander, while Mafabi continued speaking from the open roof of his vehicle.
His Electoral Commission (EC) protection unit formed a perimeter, blocking officers from approaching. The standoff eased after Mafabi concluded his remarks, and the convoy moved to the next stop.
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