FDC presidential flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi delivered one of the most memorable moments of the NTV Presidential Debate 2025, challenging Uganda’s long-standing political rhetoric on stability and urging voters to focus on economic transformation.
Arriving at the Kampala Serena Hotel to a charged audience, Mafabi opened his remarks with a sharp critique of Uganda’s leadership narrative: “We have been around for 40 years. We have been talking about peace, peace, peace, peace. And I don’t think Ugandans can eat peace because it is there.”
The statement quickly set the tone for his pitch, which revolved around economic empowerment, agricultural investment, and fighting corruption.
What we want is money in our pockets
Emphasising Uganda’s economic struggles, Mafabi said the country’s biggest problem is not political slogans but household income. “What we want is money in our pockets,” he declared, urging a shift from speeches about peace to actionable policies that raise living standards.
He argued that corruption is at the heart of Uganda’s high cost of living and burdensome taxation. “Corruption drives high living costs and excessive taxation. If we address it, taxes will come down and so will the cost of living,” Mafabi said.
Uganda is good at writing proposals but not implementing them
The long-serving Budadiri West MP also faulted government inefficiency, particularly in agriculture.
“Uganda is very good at writing proposals but not good at implementing them,” he noted, making a case for strengthening the tea sector and rejuvenating cooperatives.
In his closing pledge, Mafabi outlined his priorities: “Reduction of taxes, addressing corruption, 10% allocation to agriculture, rejuvenating cooperatives, improving education, and reducing poverty to reduce insecurity.”
On elections and the Electoral Commission
Mafabi took aim at the Electoral Commission, expressing disappointment with directives he believes lack a legal basis. “I thought [Justice Simon] Byabakama was a judge,” he said bluntly, criticising orders that require voters to leave polling stations.
He invoked a historical analogy to underscore his point: “Amin once said, ‘If the referee is biased, you score an evident goal that everyone can see.’ If we vote out the NRM this coming year, even Byabakama will have nothing to say.”
On political alliances
Asked whether he would back fellow opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, Mafabi dismissed the idea of measuring popularity through crowds or theatrics.
“For you, you may be mobilising using music or guns like Museveni. There’s no measuring tool that you’re the best. So, we wait with time,” he commented, while leaving the door open for broader opposition strategy discussions.
We are here to fix the economy
Summing up his vision, Mafabi reinforced his mission for 2026: “We are here to fix the economy and address the issues of corruption, poverty, and injustice.”
The debate — featuring five of the eight presidential candidates — drew an online audience of 1,023,034 viewers, according to NTV, marking one of the largest virtual political engagements in Uganda’s history.
As the 2026 race intensifies, Mafabi’s bold declaration — “Ugandans cannot eat peace” — has already become one of the most replayed and discussed lines of the debate, underscoring his strategy to centre the conversation on economic survival and accountability.
