FDC's Mafabi promises to boost economy using World Bank experience
“Fixing this economy will be very easy for us as FDC. I have been an economic consultant for countries like India and Tanzania, and we have seen their economies improve. So why not in my own country, if I am elected?” he told residents.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flagbearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi addressing vendors at Najjembe market. (Photos by Emmanuel Balukusa)
By John Musenze
Journalists @New Vision
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Steering his presidential campaign on a 'Fix the Economy, Money in the Pockets' slogan, Nathan Nandala Mafabi has promised to draw on his World Bank experience to boost Uganda's economy.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flagbearer kicked off his pursuit of Uganda's top job in Buikwe district on Monday (September 29).
“I worked with the World Bank, and they still consult me," he told a campaign rally in Lugazi Town Council on the opening day of the presidential campaigns.
Mafabi served as vice-chair of the Parliamentary Network on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (as a World Bank consultant) between in 2017-2018.
“Fixing this economy will be very easy for us as FDC. I have been an economic consultant for countries like India and Tanzania, and we have seen their economies improve. So why not in my own country, if I am elected?” he told residents.
Mafabi, a first-time presidential candidate but experienced legislator, also promised to reduce taxes for business owners, with an aim of creating a more favourable environment for local enterprises to thrive.
Besides his economic empowerment plan, the FDC frontrunner pledged that each of Uganda’s 72,000 villages would receive 100 million shillings to support community-level development, especially initiatives led by women.
“This is possible because Uganda loses a lot of money to corruption. I have seen this first-hand during my time in Parliament," he said.
Having served in Parliament for 25 years, Mafabi reminded the people of Buikwe of his track record in fighting corruption, particularly during his tenure on the accountability committee.
“I am a hardworking person, and many of you know that. Forty years of NRM rule is enough. While they may have had some achievements, there are too many failures we intend to fix."
FDC party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat also addressed the crowd, endorsing Mafabi as the right leader to steer Uganda forward.
“He has been in Parliament for 25 years. He lives among the people and understands their problems. He is the candidate who can solve them,” said Amuriat, who has himself previously run for the presidency.
In his concluding remarks, Mafabi urged the people of Lugazi not to sell their votes to selfish politicians who offer bribes.
“Don’t be bought by money. Vote for real change."