Acholi East | Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has outlined an ambitious plan that promises free education, direct village funding, better pay for workers, and improved welfare for security forces once his party takes power in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during campaign rallies in Lamwo and Kitgum districts, Mafabi said his government would focus on tackling inequality, corruption, and unemployment through people-centred development programs aimed at lifting ordinary Ugandans out of poverty.
“Education must be free for every Ugandan child, from primary to university level,” Mafabi said. “No parent should sell land or cattle to pay school fees. An FDC government will fund education fully because it is the foundation of national progress.”
Shs100 million per village to boost development
Mafabi announced that under his leadership, each of Uganda’s villages would receive shs100 million annually to fund local development initiatives such as improving roads, schools, health cecentresand income-generating projects.
He said the funds would be managed by village development committees to promote accountability and transparency.
“We want development to start from the people. Each village knows what it needs most, and when you give them control over their own resources, corruption reduces,” Mafabi said.
Santo Ocen, a resident of Padibe town council in Lamwo district, praised the idea, saying it could transform local governance if well implemented.
“If that money comes directly to the villages, it will make a big difference. We often wait for funds from the cecentrehat deare delayedr never arrive. This would empower our people,” Ocen said.
Also in Padibe town council, a market vendor G,race Acen w,elcomed the proposal and said “,We struggle to repair boreholes or fix classroom blocks. If every village gets that kind of money, we can do small projects ourselves and see real change.”
Shs 2 million loans for boda-boda riders
Mafabi also pledged to introduce a shs2 million low-interest loan scheme for all registered boda boda riders across the country to support self-employment. He said the loans would help riders purchase or maintain motorcycles, expand their businesses, and improve household incomes.
Patrick Okot, a boda boda rider in Lamwo Town town council, said the plan could rescue them from predatory lenders.
“Many of us borrow from moneylenders at very high interest rates. If government loans come with low interest, we can grow our business and feed our families.”
Mafabi added that the FDC government would also provide insurance and road safety training programs for riders to protect their lives and property.
Equal pay and free meals for pupils
On education, Mafabi pledged to ststandardiseeachers’ salaries and abolish the gap between science and arts teachers. “All teachers work hard to shape our children. Equal pay is about fairness and respect for their service,” he said.
He also promised a nationwide free school feeding program to keep children in school and improve academic performance, especially in rural areas where hunger drives many learners to drop out.
Onekalit Denis Amere, the Kitgum municipality MP, who attended Mafabi’s rally, welcomed the commitment and said “Teachers have suffered pay inequalities for too long. Equal pay and school meals would restore dignity to the profession and help keep pupils focused.”
Fully equipped hospitals and better welfare for health workers
On health, Mafabi said the FDC would ensure fully equipped hospitals and health cecentresith adequate drugs and medical personnel.
He pledged to increase funding for the health sector, recruit more doctors and nurses, and enhance monitoring to eliminate corruption and drug theft.
Dr Simon, medical personnel in Kitgum district, said the region has long suffered from inadequate medical supplies. “Sometimes we go weeks without key medicines. If this pledge is fulfilled, it will bring great relief to health workers and patients,” Ojara said.
Better pay for security forces and monthly support for the elderly
Mafabi also promised improved welfare for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, and Prisons Service, saying those who defend the country deserve decent pay and living conditions.
“Our soldiers and police officers risk their lives daily. They deserve good housing and fair salaries,” he said.
He further pledged to raise the monthly allowance for elderly citizens aged 65 and above from shs20,000 to shs60,000, to help them meet basic needs such as food and medical care.
Ben Ogwang, an elderly resident of Palabek Kal, welcomed the plan saying that they have been forgotten for years. Increasing the money to 60,000 will help us live with some dignity.”
Community and political reactions
Local leaders in Northern Uganda described Mafabi’s visit as a sign of renewed political competition ahead of the 2026 polls. Denis Onekalit Amere, MP for Kitgum Municipality, said the FDC’s grassroots message resonates with people who feel left behind.
“The north has faced economic hardship for years. Promises that focus on the village level are what the people want to hear,” he said.
However, some residents expressed cautious optimism, urging FDC to demonstrate how it will fund the proposed projects.
Janet Akumu, a teacher in Kitgum district, said “,thThedeas are good, but implementing them will require strong and honest leadership. We have heard many promises before that never came to pass.”
A pepeople-centredision for 2026
Mafabi said his party’s 2026 manifesto is cecentredn justice, education, health, Roads and economic empowerment, aiming to create a Uganda that works for everyone.
“We want a country where a teacher, soldier, farmer, and boda boda rider can live with dignity. That is the Uganda we are fighting for,” he said.
The FDC leader’s visit to Lamwo and Kitgum is part of his nationwide consultation campaign to rebuild the party’s grassroots support and strengthen public trust ahead of next year’s general elections.
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