Thousands Welcome FDC’s Nandala Mafabi to Soroti as He Pledges Economic Revival and Compensation for Teso Families
At exactly 4:10 PM, the convoy of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi entered Soroti City, greeted by ululations, music, and dance from thousands of jubilant supporters. The grand entry brought business to a temporary standstill, reaffirming Soroti’s reputation as the heartbeat of opposition politics in Eastern Uganda.
Nandala, accompanied by key FDC leaders including Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom, Soroti District Woman MP Ann Adeke Ebaju, Gweri County MP Tom Julius Ekudo, and former Soroti East MP Moses Attan Okia, made his way to Arrow Square, where a massive crowd had gathered to hear his message of economic revival and social transformation.
Addressing the rally, Mafabi pledged to revive Teso’s cooperative unions, describing them as “the backbone of community mobilization and wealth creation.” He accused the current government of dismantling once-thriving community-based initiatives that had empowered farmers and traders across the region.
“Cooperatives are the foundation of strong local economies. They enable communities to create jobs, trade fairly, and build wealth together,” Mafabi said. “Unfortunately, President Museveni’s government dismantled these institutions that once gave people dignity and prosperity.”
He reminded supporters that before the NRM regime, Teso was a region of abundance, known for its vast herds of cattle and productive farmlands.
“You all know that Teso once had many cows. People could educate their children and live decent lives. But the cattle were raided under his government, and now he mocks the Iteso by promising compensation after decades of neglect,” Mafabi said, drawing thunderous applause.
The FDC leader vowed that within two years of assuming power, his government would compensate all affected families in Teso for the cattle lost during the insurgencies and raids of the 1980s and 1990s.
Mafabi emphasized that his administration would prioritize agriculture, innovation, and industrialization to rebuild Uganda’s economy. He pledged to establish a cassava starch factory in Teso to create jobs and increase farmers’ incomes.
“Cassava is highly produced here but wasted because there’s no processing plant. I will change that,” he assured the crowd.
He also promised to rehabilitate key roads including the Soroti–Serere, Kumi–Ngora–Ocaapa–Kagwara, and Katine–Kalaki–Okaberamaido–Ocehero routes to boost trade and regional connectivity.
Turning to youth empowerment, Mafabi pledged to subsidize motorcycle prices to support boda boda riders.
“I will ensure a Bajaj motorcycle costs only two million shillings, payable in five years,” he said, sparking cheers from riders.
He further declared a war on corruption, promising to protect taxpayers’ money and ensure transparency across all levels of government.
“I will safeguard public funds and hold every corrupt official accountable,” he vowed.
In education, Mafabi promised to raise teachers’ salaries and improve school infrastructure to enhance learning standards. In health, he pledged to upgrade Soroti Regional Referral Hospital into a National Hospital with modern facilities and better pay for medical workers.
Hon. Joan Alobo Acom hailed the massive turnout as a sign of renewed faith in the opposition.
“The people of Teso have spoken — they are ready for change,” she said.
Nandala is expected to continue his campaign trail across Soroti District tomorrow, meeting local leaders and addressing more rallies as part of his nationwide mobilization tour.
