Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi opened his campaign trail in Busia District with a strong message against what he called “tax exploitation without development.”
Mafabi accused the government of collecting billions in customs revenue from the Busia border while leaving residents in poverty, unemployment, and poor infrastructure.
“Government takes your taxes from this border every day, but look at your roads, look at the hospitals, look at the youth without jobs. Busia gives so much but receives nothing in return,” Mafabi told supporters.
Earlier on, FDC’s convoy, led by senior party figures Robert Centenary, Isaiah Sssaga, Jamal Wante, Ajuna Daka, and Geoffrey Ekanya, was delayed at the Tororo-Busia border after security personnel blocked their entry for nearly an hour.
The convoy was later cleared, drawing cheers from waiting supporters.
Mafabi said an FDC government would invest border tax collections directly into community projects, emphasizing that Busia should not remain poor while being one of Uganda’s biggest revenue collection points.
“This border should not just generate money for Kampala. It should build schools here, create jobs here, and put money in the pockets of the people who live here,” he said.
He outlined his key promises to Busia, pledging to channel border tax revenues directly into local development, create jobs and support youth enterprises, upgrade roads and trade infrastructure to empower small traders, ensure equal salaries for civil servants, and implement economic reforms aimed at increasing household incomes.
The rally at Mugungu playground attracted a large turnout, with residents dancing to Kadodi drums and chanting “Busia deserves better!” as Mafabi promised to turn the border town into a hub of opportunity rather than just a tax collection point.
“We will not allow Busia to remain a gateway for government money while its people remain in poverty. That era must end,” he remarked.
Nandala Mafabi will continue his campaign rallies today in Pallisa and Butebo districts.
