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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi will see out his final campaign days while camped in eastern Uganda as Ugandans warm up for the general elections that begin on January 15.
He has particularly condemned what he described as unnecessary and excessive use of force by Police after tear gas was fired during his final central region campaign activities in Kampala.
During a brief rally in Kawaala zone 2 on Tuesday (January 6), chaotic scenes unfolded as Police fired tear gas, abruptly cutting short Nandala’s address. A member of his campaign team was wrestled from Police by his colleagues during an attempt to arrest him.
Some of Nandala’s supporters, angry at what had just happened, confronted Police officers at the scene, accusing them of disrupting a lawful political gathering.
“There was no justification for that level of force. Security agencies must respect the rights of citizens to assemble and listen to political leaders of their choice,” the FDC presidential candidate later said, urging his supporters to remain calm and non-violent.
He had returned to Kampala for a final campaign push in the central region, a tour he said would be crucial in shaping the outcome of the January 15 election.
‘Best plan’
Earlier in the day, before heading out to the city streets, Nandala addressed the media at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, where he expressed confidence that Kampala would deliver him overwhelming support.
“Kampala is a place for everybody. I am asking them to give me the vote because I am the one who has the best plan for Kampala. No other person will have a better plan apart from me. If they give me the vote, they will see a difference in this country.”
The first-time presidential candidate said his vision for the capital focuses on improving service delivery, restoring order, easing the tax burden on businesses and ensuring that Kampala works for both residents and those who come to earn a living.
He also dismissed concerns that divisions within the FDC and the broader Opposition could weaken his performance in the central region, particularly following the formation of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), led by the incarcerated former FDC president, Dr Kizza Besigye.
Downplaying the impact of the split, Nandala argued that the absence of a rival presidential candidate from PFF leaves voters with a clear choice at the ballot.
“But PFF, they have no candidate. Which other candidate do they have? They have a presidential candidate? I am a presidential candidate. So if they are not giving me a vote, that will be unfortunate. Whom are they going to give the vote?”
After the media briefing, Nandala’s convoy set off into Kampala, drawing large crowds almost immediately.
In Kasubi, he was welcomed by a brass band as supporters, party officials and parliamentary flag bearers marched alongside him. The procession was energised by live traditional kadodi music, with supporters dancing and chanting along the Kasubi–Kawaala Road.
Along Mugema Road, residents paused their daily activities to watch the convoy go past, some waving while others recording the moment on their phones as Nandala acknowledged the crowds.
The convoy later stopped in Kawaala, where he addressed supporters briefly, before police intervened with tear gas. Despite the disruption, he continued with his programme, later addressing gatherings in Kagugube in Kampala Central Division and in Kamwokya, areas known for their youthful populations and vibrant informal economies.
In his subsequent addresses, the FDC frontrunner returned to themes of economic recovery, youth employment and governance reforms, arguing that Kampala’s challenges reflect broader national problems.
“If we fix leadership at the top, we can fix services, jobs and dignity for our people.”