FDC presidential contender Nandala Mafabi has warned that Uganda’s long-standing stability will mean little if citizens cannot secure decent livelihoods. Speaking at the NTV Presidential Debate 2025, Mafabi argued that while peace is vital, it cannot substitute for economic opportunity, and Ugandans need more than calm—they need jobs, income, and access to basic necessities.
He criticized decades of governance that, in his view, have focused heavily on rhetoric about political stability while failing to address the day-to-day challenges facing ordinary people. “Peace alone does not fill plates or pay school fees,” Mafabi said, underscoring the urgency of prioritizing tangible development over abstract assurances.
Mafabi emphasized that meaningful progress depends on access to employment, food security, healthcare, and education. He warned that without creating real opportunities, stability becomes hollow, leaving households struggling to meet their basic needs. The candidate positioned economic empowerment at the center of his campaign, promising policies aimed at lifting citizens out of poverty.
Drawing on his background in economics, accounting, and taxation, Mafabi outlined a vision for practical solutions to Uganda’s economic woes. He stressed that investment in infrastructure, including roads, energy, and digital networks, would stimulate growth, create jobs, and attract investment, directly improving livelihoods for ordinary Ugandans.
He also highlighted education as a cornerstone for national competitiveness, noting that vocational training and skill development are essential for young people to secure meaningful work. Health, Mafabi added, is equally critical, since a healthy population is better able to contribute to the economy and achieve personal stability.
The candidate repeatedly stressed that leadership should be judged by its impact on people’s daily lives. He criticized previous administrations for maintaining peace while leaving unemployment high and incomes low, arguing that real leadership produces visible improvements in living standards and opportunities for all regions.
Mafabi further linked economic growth to national security, suggesting that a population with stable livelihoods is less vulnerable to unrest and more capable of contributing positively to society. He stressed the need for inclusive policies that ensure development reaches all communities and prevents marginalization.
Closing his remarks, Mafabi called on Ugandans to prioritize candidates who deliver both stability and tangible progress. He framed his campaign as one focused on practical economic empowerment, insisting that peace is only meaningful when paired with opportunity, jobs, education, and access to essential services—ensuring every citizen can thrive.
