Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi says his extensive experience in financial management at both local and international levels equips him with the skills needed to revive Uganda’s struggling economy. Speaking to supporters at Polota Grounds in Kakira Town Council, Jinja District, Nandala said the country’s rising poverty levels require urgent intervention, which he believes can only be achieved under his leadership.
He noted that one of his key strategies to boost the economy, particularly among low-income earners, is to champion the operationalization of the minimum wage. Nandala said this would significantly improve daily earnings for young people who largely depend on factory work and other casual labour.
The FDC candidate added that the policy would be complemented by the establishment of recreational and vocational training centres where unemployed youth can acquire practical skills to sustain themselves, ultimately reducing unemployment. Supporters at the rally shared experiences of exploitation at their workplaces, saying poor working conditions and low pay have denied them the benefits of their labour.
Betty Achom said she has worked as a casual labourer for over 10 years, but her employers have repeatedly declined to offer her permanent employment, contrary to labour guidelines. She added that demands for better conditions are often met with threats of dismissal, forcing workers into silence. Achom said she wants a leader who can balance the interests of both workers and investors, rather than prioritising investors at the expense of citizens.
Another supporter, Magret Mwanjja, said there is need for a government that can engage investors to increase daily wages. She said she has earned between Shs5,000 and Shs8,000 per day for the last 13 years, most of which is spent on rent and food. Mwanjja said such conditions have left workers unable to save or benefit meaningfully from years of hard labour.
Marion Muhanga, a trader, said after failing to break even as a casual labourer, she borrowed Shs100,000 to start a tomato stall. However, high interest rates now threaten to push her out of business. “I borrowed the money about a month ago, but the money lender requires me to pay Shs5,000 daily for 40 days. That totals Shs200,000, which is a 100 percent interest rate. I find this extremely exploitative,” Muhanga said.
In response, Nandala said money lenders are exploiting an already impoverished population and warned Ugandans against rushing into quick loans. “Our country has been turned into a money-lending economy. Traders are exposed to high-interest loans that push them out of business instead of helping them stay afloat,” Nandala said.
He added that with over 70 percent of Uganda’s population being youth, his government would establish affordable credit facilities to shift the economy away from predatory lending towards sustainable growth. Nandala wrapped up a day-long campaign tour that stretched from Jinja City to Jinja District. He first visited the FDC party offices in Mpumudde Cell, Southern Division, where he addressed supporters. He later moved through Northern Division areas including Mafubira and Budondo, before crossing to Namagera Town Council.
He later opened the Jinja District FDC offices in Buwenge Town Council and held mini rallies across several sub-counties, before concluding with a major rally at Kakira Town Council at around 7:00pm. The FDC candidate ended his campaign activities with a radio talk show on Bridge FM, where he directly engaged members of the public through live call-ins.
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