Mafabi Demands Evidence from Museveni on Bugisu Cooperative Land Dispute

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1346 EAT on Saturday 8 November 2025

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has hit back at President Yoweri Museveni, challenging him to provide evidence supporting allegations that Mafabi sold land belonging to the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU).

While campaigning in Teso earlier this week, Museveni reportedly accused Mafabi of disposing of BCU property to settle debts—claims the FDC leader dismissed as baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking to supporters in Mbale, Mafabi urged Museveni to “be man enough” to repeat the allegations during his campaign in Bugisu and to present concrete proof of any land transactions.

“The people of Bugisu know the truth about BCU and who really crippled it,” Mafabi said, reaffirming his stance that the accusations are unfounded.

Mafabi Denies Museveni’s Land Allegations, Points to Past BCU Mismanagement
Source: The Observer

FDC presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi has hit back at President Yoweri Museveni’s claims that he sold Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU) land, saying he assumed leadership in May 2008—long after the disputed properties were sold by a previous administration led by John Wamulugwa.

Mafabi accused senior government officials of colluding with Wamulugwa’s team to mismanage and dispose of BCU assets, and claimed Museveni later shielded those responsible instead of holding them accountable.

Describing the President’s remarks as “provocative,” Mafabi warned he would respond politically when Museveni campaigns in the Bugisu sub-region, and accused him of distorting the facts for political gain.

Once a thriving farmers’ organization and major Arabica coffee exporter, the Bugisu Cooperative Union has faced years of internal disputes and financial struggles, losing several properties through contested sales and debt recovery processes.