Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, has pledged to prioritize local construction firms for road projects, saying at least 90 percent of workers would be Ugandans as a way of addressing unemployment.
Mafabi’s campaign in Rubaga Division briefly stalled when police blocked a planned roadside rally in Kawala, directing him to Kawala Gardens, the designated venue. He later addressed FDC supporters in Kagugube, Kampala Central Division, shortly before 6:00 pm, near the official campaign cut-off time.
While addressing supporters in Kagugube, Mafabi decried Kampala’s deteriorating infrastructure, citing recurrent flooding, dusty roads, and potholes that damage vehicles and endanger motorists. He described it as embarrassing that Kampala — one of the country’s largest tax contributors — continues to suffer from poor roads and flooding.
“Most of the roads are now full of dust everywhere. Government keeps employing Chinese companies, yet they do shoddy work and still get contracts. What does a good road require? Stones are from here, marram is from here, sand is from here, cement is from here, water is from here. But the problem is they’re employing Indians and Chinese who are sent here as punishment after committing crimes,” Mafabi said.
He argued that awarding contracts to foreign companies from India and China undermines local Ugandan firms, which he said would execute projects with patriotism and commitment to national development. “The workers constructing roads should be our own kids. One kilometer of road costs as much as building 20 kilometers, and the money they are stealing comes from the taxes you, the low-income earners, are paying. Yet service delivery? Zero,” Mafabi added. He maintained that engaging Ugandan construction companies would not only improve road quality but also significantly reduce youth unemployment.
Mafabi also criticized the state of Kampala, saying it is shocking that the city still bears the title of Uganda’s capital despite widespread dirt, potholes, flooding, and unplanned buildings. He promised that under his leadership, the city would be reorganized and its road network revamped.
Residents in Kampala Central urged Mafabi to prioritize sanitation in slum areas, blaming poor drainage for frequent disease outbreaks.
Mafabi is expected to campaign in Jinja City on Wednesday as he continues to seek votes ahead of the January 15, 2026 general elections.
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