Mafabi Addresses Independence Saga: ‘The National Event Was on My Private Land’

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Secretary General Hon Nathan Nandala Mafabi this morning sought to put to rest the growing speculation that he’d been compromised by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Hon Mafabi this week became a talking point amongst political rivals mostly on social media, after it appeared that he had missed his own party’s parallel Independence Day celebrations, opting for the national celebrations that took place in Sironko district on Wednesday.

The FDC independence event which was held at the party offices was presided over by party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi, who among others officially announced the return of the ‘Defiance Campaign.’

Nandala however, chose to attend the national celebrations, lining up at one point, with other NRM leaders to shake hands with President Yoweri Museveni.

Photos of the opposition figure exchanging a hearty smile with President Museveni added fuel to the speculation.

Mr Nandala however, told us this morning he had a number of reasons he chose the Sironko event, some of them personal.

“First of all, the (national) celebrations were in my constituency,” said Nandala, who represents Budadiri West in Parliament.

“The venue itself was in my private land, so how could I miss?”

The MP says he attended not in any FDC capacity, but as a resident and leader of the area.

“I am sure you know that I am an important leader in this area. I am the head of the Bugisu Cooperative Union.”

“I also wanted to show you people in action what we have preaching; the politics unity. It cannot always be about fighting.”

Mr Mafabi also claimed his intent to attend the Sironko celebrations was to ensure that the NRM party does not hijack this national event.

“We had heard that there were activities they wanted to carry out at the NRM offices. So I mobilized my people and we were ready to protest in front of the president and his guests if they dared turn the independence celebrations into an NRM event.”

About people who rushed to liken him to Hon Beatrice Anywar, Mafabi said such a comparison was misplaced.

“First of all my attendance and meeting with the president were in public. Mama Mabira’s meetings are private. Also we know that she goes there looking for money. I am not that poor to go begging. I am not like her.”