KWANIA, October 18, 2025 — Forum for Democratic Change [FDC] presidential candidate, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has pledged to revive the defunct Cooperative Bank if elected President of Uganda in the upcoming January 2026 general elections.
Addressing a campaign rally at Abwong Primary School in Akali Sub-county, Kwania district, Nandala, who also chairs the thriving Bugisu Cooperative Union [BCU], said that his government would prioritise the re-establishment of the Cooperative Bank, closed more than two decades ago.
“There is an urgent need to bring back the Cooperative Bank to support the growing cooperative movement. Only Nandala can deliver that, once elected president,” he told those attending his campaign rally.
Closure of the Cooperative Bank
The first Cooperative Bank, established in 1964, was closed in May 1999 by the Bank of Uganda [BoU] due to undercapitalisation and mismanagement.
While the current NRM government has made efforts to revive the Bank, progress remains sluggish, with the recent launch of the National Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited [NCSCSL], expected to transition into a fully-fledged Cooperative Bank.
According to Uganda Cooperative Alliance [UCA], and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC], NCSCSL will begin as a Tier 4 cooperative society under the Registrar of Cooperatives. This allows cooperatives to pool resources gradually, strengthen governance, and build ownership before moving through phased upgrades to Tier 3 Microfinance Deposit-taking Institution, Tier 2 Credit Institution, and ultimately a fully licensed Tier 1 National Cooperative Bank. Phase 1 aims for Shs 10 billion in capitalisation, with a long-term target of Shs 200bln.
According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives [MTIC], Uganda currently has 45,866 registered cooperatives, comprising approximately 18 million members.
Compensation for war victims
Nandala also vowed that, if elected, his administration would prioritise compensating victims of the Northern Uganda insurgencies, particularly those affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army [LRA] conflict.
“The issue of compensating victims of the LRA war in Northern Uganda has lingered for too long. My government will prioritise this from day one,” he said.
Infrastructure and health commitments
On infrastructure, Nandala pledged to rehabilitate roads and upgrade all Health Centre IIs to Health Centre III status, citing the need for improved healthcare and service delivery.
“My government will fix the economy, put money in people’s pockets, and that starts with repairing roads and improving the health sector,” he added.
Local FDC candidate makes promises
Kate Etit Okao, FDC candidate for Kwania District Woman MP and former United Nations staff member, also addressed the rally. She committed to advocating for better infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and local livelihoods.
“I will push for the tarmacking of the road from Abongomola to Nambieso, the installation of a ferry linking Kwania to Amolatar District, and the construction of a modern market in Aduku Town Council, among other priorities,” she said.
Voters respond to Nandala’s pledges
Local residents expressed optimism about Nandala’s proposals, particularly the revival of the Cooperative Bank.
Tonny Olobo, from Apidyang village in Agwa Parish, welcomed the initiative but urged the candidate to also prioritise education and road infrastructure.
“Right now, all government schools are closed. Teachers are not teaching, roads are impassable, and we lack proper hospitals. We hope Nandala brings change if elected,” he said.
Another resident, Isaac Oyomo of Igwor village in Aornga Parish, called on Nandala to support fishermen, build a modern market, and tackle fake agro-inputs on the market.
Nandala pledges support for fishermen
In response, Nandala promised to offer soft loans to fishermen and restore local control over water bodies.
“Once elected, I will withdraw the army from the lake and empower the Beach Management Units [BMUs] to take charge. Fishermen will receive soft loans to boost their businesses,” he said.
He also promised to address salary disparities, pledging equal pay for arts and science teachers, and to offer free education from nursery to university for children of teachers, health workers, and soldiers.
Campaign trail and presidential race
Nandala is currently touring the Lango Sub-region, with campaign stops in Lira and Kwania districts.
He is among eight candidates vying for Uganda’s highest political office. The other contenders include:
- President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni [National Resistance Movement – NRM]
- Robert Kasibante [National Peasants’ Party – NPP]
- Joseph Mabirizi [Conservative Party – CP]
- Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera [Alliance for National Transformation – ANT]
- Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu [National Unity Platform – NUP]
- Munyagwa Mubarak Sserunga [Common Man’s Party – CMP]
- Bulira Frank Kabinga [Revolutionary People’s Party – RPP]
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