Kasese hails FDC presidential candidate Mafabi with spear, shield and calls for protection
“We have suffered insecurity for years. Guard us and restore peace when you become president,” one supporter called out as he handed over the traditional symbols.
Mafabi pledged total protection for the people of Kasese once in power, saying his government would ensure the safety and unity of all citizens. (Credit: John Musenze)
By John Musenze and Samuel Amanyire
Journalists @New Vision
Mafabi assured the people of Kasese that his government would unite the Rwenzururu Kingdom with the central government, pledging to strengthen relations with Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Rwenzururu king. (All Photos by John Musenze & Alfred Ochwo)
KASESE - Amidst heavy security and army deployment, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) 2026 General Election presidential aspirant James Nathan Nandala Mafabi has received a triumphant welcome in Kasese district, where residents urged him to protect them once elected president.
At his first mini rally in Rugendabara town council, supporters handed Mafabi a shield and a spear, symbolically asking him to guard them from the insecurity that has long troubled the district.
“We have suffered insecurity for years. Guard us and restore peace when you become president,” one supporter called out as he handed over the traditional symbols.
It should be noted that since the Rwenzori region borders the DR Congo, there have been occasional alleged rebel attacks from militants based across the region, considering that the neighbouring country's eastern region is volatile.
However, the Uganda Government has been permanently positioned at the Uganda-DR Congo border and even launched Operation Shujaa to pursue Allied Democratic Forces rebels deep inside the forests of DRC.
The ADF, which is linked to the Islamic State terror organisation, has been accused of serious atrocities in both East African countries, with a recent attack on a church in DRC, leaving tens of residents dead.
In response, Mafabi pledged total protection for the people of Kasese once in power, saying his government would ensure the safety and unity of all citizens.
“I will protect every Ugandan and work closely with cultural institutions to end fear and divisions,” he said.
Mafabi assured the people of Kasese that his government would unite the Rwenzururu Kingdom with the central government, pledging to strengthen relations with Omusinga Charles Wesley Mumbere, the Rwenzururu king.
“I am a Mugisu from the mountains of the East, and this feels like home because you too live in the mountains,” Mafabi said. “I come from a cultural background, so I will work closely with the Omumbere to ensure there is no tension like today.”
Land-related injustices
He further pledged to address land-related injustices, saying many locals were losing land to government projects such as game parks and reserves without benefiting from them.
“We cannot keep protecting animals when the people living near the parks gain nothing. Once in power, I will settle this matter so that communities also benefit from tourism,” he said.
Mafabi promised to allocate more land to the Bakonzo, noting that tourism resources should benefit people more than animals.
Dressed in his trademark short-sleeved shirt, Mafabi addressed three mini rallies at Rugendabara, Kinyamaseke, and Kisinga town councils, before holding his main rally at Kyarumba town council, where thousands filled the playground.
He announced plans to create a special disaster fund to support communities affected by floods from River Nyamwamba, which have for years devastated parts of the district.
FDC Woman MP aspirant Florence Kabugho said land disputes remain Kasese’s biggest challenge.
“About 75% of the land here is owned by the Government under national parks and game reserves. The remaining 25% is ever being taken over. We trust FDC will prioritise this issue,” Kabugho said.
“We also have a poor road network, only the main highway is tarmacked; the rest are in a deplorable state.”
Former Kasese Municipality MP and FDC flag bearer Robert Centenary said Kasese needs a leader who can address underdevelopment and education gaps.
“Kasese is still developing and needs Nandala Mafabi’s leadership. Our people grow coffee but earn far less than those in the East. We need policies that fight poverty,” Centenary said.
Kasese: FDC’s Stronghold in Western Uganda
For more than a decade, the FDC has enjoyed strong support in Kasese district, previously represented by key figures such as former Leader of Opposition in Parliament Winnie Kiiza. The party has fielded a strong line-up of candidates ahead of the 2026 general elections.
- Geoffrey Sibendire Bigogo, former LC5 Chairperson (2016–2021), seeks to reclaim the seat from NRM’s Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi, the current district boss.
- Florence Kabugho, the incumbent Woman MP, will defend her seat against Sarah Ithungu Baleke (NRM) and Marlin Kabugho (Independent).
- Robert Centenary, former MP for Kasese Municipality, is contesting again against NRM’s Ferigo Kambale.
- Godfrey Atkins Katusabe, MP for Bukonzo West, will once again face Dr. Crispus Kiyonga (NRM).
- Selvest Masereka Caritas is contesting for Bukonzo East, facing Harold Tonny (PFF) and Dr. Rude Monday (NRM).
- Alozious Kighema will contest for Busongora South, while William Nzoghu, the former MP for Busongora North, seeks to reclaim his seat from NRM’s Sowedi Kitanywa.
In the 2021 general elections, FDC and NRM each won three parliamentary seats in Kasese District, with NRM later taking the LC5 chairperson position, while FDC retained the Kasese Municipality mayoral seat.