The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has pledged to support and compensate families affected by the 2016 raid on the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace, describing the incident as one of the darkest chapters in Uganda’s recent political history.
The raid, carried out by the military and other security agencies, left more than 100 royal guards dead, while over 200 others, including the kingdom’s monarch, Charles Wesley Mumbere, were arrested and charged with treason and related offences. In 2023, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions dropped all charges after the accused successfully applied for and were granted amnesty.
Mafabi says an FDC-led government would prioritise justice, reconciliation, and healing for the people of Rwenzori. He pledged to rebuild the destroyed palace and ensure that all individuals and families affected by the raid are compensated.
Speaking at a rally in Kasese town, Mafabi said the FDC is determined to reclaim political control of the district, noting that the party has assembled what he described as a formidable team to challenge for power at all levels. He attributed the loss of some opposition seats to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the 2021 elections to COVID-19 restrictions, which he said severely disrupted campaign activities and limited voter engagement.
Later, while addressing supporters in Maliba Town Council, Mafabi promised to support controlled cultivation on forest land, arguing that local communities can be guided to grow appropriate crops as a response to increasing land pressure.
He further pledged to revamp the mining sector in Kasese District and establish local industries to spur economic growth and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The FDC Vice Chairperson for the Western Region and party flag bearer for the Kasese Municipality Member of Parliament seat, Robert Centenary, said the party is determined to reclaim all political positions it previously held in the district.
Voters at the rallies welcomed the opposition’s messaging. Abdu Karim, a resident of Kasese Municipality, said he is encouraged by candidates focusing on improving household incomes and sustaining peace in the Rwenzori region, which he noted has suffered repeated setbacks due to insecurity.
Another voter, Jonan Bwambale from Busongora County, said Kasese voters are determined to support the opposition, accusing the current government of misleading the public over the revival of key economic facilities such as Kilembe Mines and Katwe Salt Factory.
Meanwhile, Sylvia Biira, a voter in Kasese Municipality, called on aspiring leaders to pay greater attention to improving infrastructure beyond the town centre, noting that many surrounding areas remain underserved.
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