Youth in Pader ask FDC’s Nandala for inclusion in govt programmes

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Young people in Pader district have appealed to the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, James Nathan Nandala Mafabi, to prioritise their inclusion in government programmes if elected to the country’s highest office.

Nandala, who spent Monday (November 3) campaigning in Pader and later in Agago districts, was delayed along the Pader–Acholibur main road, which connects to Agago district.

The poor state of the road, marked by potholes and impassable sections, caused a temporary standstill for his convoy as they waited for a Ministry of Works and Transport (UNRA) vehicle to assist other cars that had been stranded since the previous day.

Among the hundreds who gathered to listen to Nandala’s message was Isma Matende, 27, who told New Vision that many young people in the region are jobless and often excluded from key government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP).

“I wanted to get PDM money, but was told young people are irresponsible and might not refund it. Most of these programs end up benefiting the big people in government instead of us,” Matende noted.

Scovia Atimano, 23, another resident, urged Nandala to find a lasting solution to the nodding disease that continues to affect children in the region.

“Young people have no jobs or capital to start businesses, and many are abandoning agriculture. We need programs that truly benefit us. But we also want an everlasting solution to the nodding disease. Many here have died, and government only seems to contain it rather than end it,” Atimano said.

Although the Ministry of Health announced last year that the disease was under control with no new infections, Atimano said Pader still records cases, with some victims continuing to succumb to the condition.

Robinson Okello, a scrap dealer who had come to do business at the rally venue, said poor infrastructure remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic progress in northern Uganda.

“You can load a car and spend days on the road because it’s terrible. When the President was campaigning here, we thought he’d see it and order repairs, but he used a chopper instead. We hope the next government will finally fix this,” he said.

During rallies held at Acholibur town council and Pajule town council, Nandala Mafabi promised to build an inclusive government that ensures development reaches all regions and age groups.

“FDC needs just five years. We will fix this road that delayed us for hours today. We come with solutions to your problems, solutions for health, education, and agriculture,” Nandala told cheering supporters.

Before proceeding to Agago, the FDC presidential hopeful made a stop in Mucwini to pay his respects at the memorial site of the late Archbishop Janani Luwum, describing him as a timeless symbol of courage and justice.

“Archbishop Luwum wasn’t just a church leader; he was a courageous voice during one of Uganda’s darkest chapters. He stood up against oppression and demanded accountability when many were too afraid,” Nandala said.

“His sacrifice continues to inspire the fight for a Uganda where every citizen enjoys freedom, dignity, and justice,” he added.

Nandala is currently on the 36th day of his 90-day presidential campaign trail as he continues to traverse the country seeking Uganda’s top office.