Mafabi intensifies outreach in Bugisu and Kumi: Farmer-first pitch targets eastern Uganda

BUGISU / KUMI — Presidential contender Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) today campaigned through the Bugisu highlands and Kumi district, pushing a “farmers-first” economic message as he seeks to carve out a niche in the multi-candidate 2026 race.

In Namisindwa district, Mafabi told coffee farmers that if elected he would push for higher prices for Bugisu Arabica — a figure of UGX 60,000-70,000 per kilogram — and expand access to export markets such as the New York Board of Trade. He emphasised the need for value-addition, premium branding and farmer empowerment.

The candidate also called out weak local infrastructure: “We are exercising our civil duty; we have rights and those rights must be protected by everybody including the police force,” he said in Masindi/Kandongo. Mafabi’s campaign appears to be focusing on specific regional economic sectors rather than broad national slogans.

Key take-aways & significance:

By honing in on the Bugisu coffee economy and eastern districts, Mafabi is making a smart strategic choice to build strongholds rather than fight the dominant national narrative head-on.

The “farmers-first” message acknowledges the electoral weight of agriculture in Uganda and appeals to rural constituencies often overlooked in youth-urban campaigns.

However, limited national visibility may hinder his ability to become a top national contender unless he broadens his campaign beyond eastern Uganda.

What to watch next:

The roll-out of policy details related to agriculture and rural development — if Mafabi delivers a clear manifesto, his campaign will gain credibility.

Whether Mafabi can move into western or northern regions to build a more national footprint.

How he competes for attention in a campaign dominated by well-resourced incumbents and high-profile opposition.