Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi on Monday received a cold and, at times, hostile reception in Rukungiri, Dr. Kizza Besigye’s home District as he kicked off his campaign tour in the Kigezi sub-region.
Some residents openly accused Mafabi and the current FDC leadership of selling the party to President Yoweri Museveni and betraying former party leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who remains in detention.
Unlike past visits by top FDC figures, political activity in Rukungiri remained largely calm, with few posters on the streets and no visible mobilisation ahead of Mafabi’s arrival.
Mafabi reached Rukungiri Municipality at around 3:00pm, accompanied by party chairman Jack Sabiiti and western region vice chairperson Robert Centenary. However, turnout along the streets was thin, with many residents appearing uninterested.
In a break from tradition, the FDC team did not hold a rally at Rukungiri Municipal Stadium. Instead, the convoy briefly stopped along Karegyesa Road, where a short roadside engagement lasting about 20 minutes was held.
During the stop, several passers-by openly heckled the team, accusing the FDC leadership of crippling the party and playing a role in the events that led to Besigye’s arrest.
Observers noted that the hostility was unusual for Rukungiri, a district long viewed as an FDC stronghold. Previous visits by party heavyweights often drew large and energetic crowds, but this time only a small group of supporters showed up.
In response, Sabiiti and Centenary denied claims that the party had abandoned Besigye, insisting the FDC remains committed to fighting for his freedom and that of other political prisoners.
“Our friend Besigye is in prison, and our prayer is that President Museveni releases him so that he can enjoy his freedom like any other Ugandan,” the leaders said.
Mafabi also dismissed the accusations, pledging that if elected president, Besigye and all political detainees would be released immediately.
“Recently Museveni was here in Kigezi. I wish everyone had demanded the release of Besigye,” Mafabi told the small gathering.
After the brief interaction, Mafabi’s convoy drove through the municipality without stopping before proceeding to Rubabo Street, where he officially opened new FDC party offices.
Shortly after, some residents demanded that Mafabi leave the area, saying they could not welcome him while the party remains divided and Besigye is still behind bars.
Mafabi later left Rukungiri for Kanungu District and is expected to continue his Kigezi campaign tour in Kabale, Rubanda and Kisoro on Tuesday.
