11 November 2025. Kampala, Uganda
FDC strongman Nathan Nandala Mafabi has unleashed a political firestorm, accusing President Yoweri Museveni of keeping Teso deliberately poor for 40 years. In this shocking exposé, we unpack Nandala’s explosive claims, the reactions from the region, and what it means for Uganda’s 2026 election.
💥 A Political Earthquake in Teso
The usually calm plains of Teso are on fire — politically. FDC Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi has set off a storm with a jaw-dropping accusation against President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, saying the long-ruling leader has “kept Teso poor for 40 years using lies and empty promises.”
In a rally that sent shockwaves through Eastern Uganda, Nandala thundered before cheering crowds:
“For 40 years, Museveni’s promises have been nothing but lies — he has chained the people of Teso in poverty while pretending to care.”
His words ricocheted across social media within hours, sparking outrage, debates, and a fierce defense from ruling party loyalists.
💣 The “Deliberate Neglect” Accusation
Nandala’s claim is more than political rhetoric — it’s an indictment. He accuses the government of systematically dismantling agricultural cooperatives, failing to compensate families who lost livestock during past insurgencies, and diverting funds meant for regional development.
“Museveni destroyed Teso’s lifeline — the cooperative unions, the cattle industry, and the farmer’s independence,” Nandala declared.
“He replaced progress with propaganda.”
He paints a picture of a region once self-reliant now trapped in poverty, dependent on handouts, and manipulated through cycles of false promises during every election season.
⚠️ The Cost of 40 Years of “Broken Promises”
Teso was once a powerhouse of agriculture, producing cotton and grains that fed Uganda’s economy. Today, according to opposition figures, the sub-region suffers from youth unemployment, collapsed infrastructure, and lingering poverty.
“The government has used lies like currency,” Nandala charged.
“They build a road and call it development, but the people remain hungry.”
Analysts say his fiery remarks could resonate deeply as the 2026 general election draws near, especially among frustrated rural voters who feel left behind by the ruling NRM’s economic agenda.
⚔️ Government Dismisses Claims — But the Damage Is Done
Government spokespersons swiftly dismissed Nandala’s remarks as “baseless political drama”, citing government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
Yet, the emotional punch of Nandala’s exposé is undeniable. His framing of Museveni’s rule as a “40-year deception” is spreading rapidly online — with hashtags like #TesoDeservesBetter and #40YearsOfLies gaining traction across X (Twitter) and Facebook.
🗳️ What This Means for 2026
As Uganda moves closer to the 2026 polls, this dramatic confrontation between Nandala and Museveni could redefine the political temperature in the East. The accusation that the President has “deliberately kept Teso poor” taps into decades of economic frustration and regional identity politics.
Whether or not his claims are proven, one thing is clear — Nandala’s message has reignited the spirit of defiance in a region once considered politically quiet.
⚡ Final Word
“Teso has been lied to for 40 years — but this time, we are awake,” Nandala roared as the crowd erupted.
And with that, Uganda’s political theatre just got a new headline act — one that could shake the pillars of the 2026 race.
