By Kabuye Ronald
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has cautioned Ugandans to brace for a possible internet shutdown as the country heads toward the next general elections, urging citizens to take proactive steps to remain informed and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Addressing a series of campaign rallies in Mbale District, Nandala Mafabi told supporters that past election cycles have shown a pattern of restricting access to information during critical moments. He advised Ugandans to download Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in advance to ensure continued access to information and communication platforms.
“We must remain connected so that no one steals our voice or our vote,” Nandala Mafabi said, emphasizing that access to information is critical in preventing electoral malpractices and ensuring transparency.
FDC’s Plan to Counter Internet Blockage
The FDC presidential candidate revealed that his party has developed a strategy to counter any potential internet disruption. He said the party will circulate details of reliable VPNs to citizens across the country to help them stay online in the event of a shutdown.
According to Nandala Mafabi, uninterrupted access to information will enable Ugandans to monitor polling, tallying of results, and announcements, while also allowing citizens to share real-time updates from different parts of the country.
“Staying connected is not a luxury; it is a democratic right,” he said, adding that information flow plays a key role in deterring election-related fraud.
Campaign Trail in Mbale
Nandala Mafabi’s campaign trail took him across several parts of Mbale District, with stopovers in Bungokho, Bumbobi, Busiu, and Namawanga sub-counties. At each rally, he urged voters to support his presidential bid, describing the upcoming election as a defining moment for Uganda’s future.
He also pledged to prioritize Ugandans in the allocation of government contracts, arguing that local participation in public projects is essential for job creation and economic growth.
“Our people must be at the center of development,” he said. “When locals get contracts, families earn, skills grow, and communities develop.”
Key Manifesto Promises
During the rallies, Nandala Mafabi highlighted several flagship promises in his manifesto, including the establishment of a Village Development Fund, under which each village would receive 100 million shillings to finance community-led development projects.
He also outlined plans to expand employment opportunities by awarding contracts to local citizens, supporting mothers who supply food to public institutions, and promoting small and medium enterprises.
Other priorities include improved social services such as quality education, healthcare, and housing, as well as enhanced support for senior citizens through a monthly stipend of 65,000 shillings for Ugandans aged 65 and above.
On governance, Nandala Mafabi vowed to fight corruption by sealing what he described as channels through which up to 10 trillion shillings are lost annually.
He concluded by citing his experience and expertise, reaffirming his commitment to tackling poverty, corruption, and poor governance if elected president.
