Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi is a Ugandan economist, accountant, and politician, widely known for his leadership in both politics and economic reform. He has held significant roles in the Ugandan Parliament and is renowned for his active involvement in Uganda’s cooperative movement, particularly through his leadership of the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU). His career reflects a blend of technical expertise, political influence, and a strong commitment to social and economic justice.

Early Life and Education
Nathan Nandala Mafabi was born on October 17, 1966, in Buwalasi, Sironko District, in the eastern region of Uganda. He hails from the Bugisu ethnic group, commonly known as the Bamasaba. Mafabi’s upbringing in a farming community shaped his understanding of rural life and the challenges faced by farmers, a perspective that has deeply influenced his later political and economic activism.

He attended Buwalasi Primary School before joining Mbale Secondary School for his O-levels. Mafabi then attended Busoga College Mwiri, one of Uganda’s prestigious schools, for his A-level education. His academic excellence earned him a place at Makerere University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Statistics degree. He later undertook a Master’s degree in Economic Policy and Planning at the same institution, solidifying his expertise in economics.

In addition to his education at Makerere, Mafabi pursued further professional qualifications, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), adding technical proficiency to his already strong academic foundation in economics.

Career in Public Service and Parliament
Mafabi’s career in public service began with his work at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), where he worked as a Senior Principal Revenue Officer. His role at URA involved tax policy formulation and enforcement, giving him insights into Uganda’s fiscal policies and economic challenges. This experience would later fuel his calls for transparency, better governance, and more effective use of public resources.

In 2001, Mafabi transitioned from a career in public service to politics when he was elected to represent Budadiri West Constituency in Parliament. His tenure in Parliament quickly became characterized by his fierce independence, intellectual rigor, and commitment to accountability. Mafabi became known as a skilled debater and a vocal advocate for the marginalized, particularly rural farmers and communities in eastern Uganda.

Parliamentary Roles
Over the years, Mafabi has held several critical positions in Parliament:

1. Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC): Perhaps one of the most high-profile roles he held, Mafabi chaired the PAC from 2006 to 2011. In this role, he became a key figure in Uganda’s fight against corruption, exposing numerous cases of financial mismanagement in government. His leadership in PAC earned him the reputation of a tough and principled politician who was not afraid to take on powerful interests.

2. Leader of the Opposition: From 2011 to 2014, Mafabi served as the Leader of the Opposition in Uganda’s Parliament. In this role, he was responsible for leading the shadow cabinet, offering alternative policies, and holding the government accountable. His tenure was marked by assertiveness in challenging the ruling government, particularly on issues related to governance, public resource management, and social services.

3. Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy: He has also served as the chairperson of this committee, where he oversaw matters related to Uganda’s economic planning and borrowing, focusing on ensuring that public debt was sustainable and that government borrowing was tied to productive investments.

4. Deputy Chairperson, Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus: Mafabi has been active in advocating for the interests of the Bugisu region, a coffee-growing area, particularly pushing for better infrastructure, improved agricultural policies, and economic development in the region.

Role in Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU)
One of Mafabi’s most prominent roles outside Parliament has been his leadership of the Bugisu Cooperative Union (BCU), where he has served as Chairman. BCU is one of Uganda’s oldest and most significant coffee cooperatives, representing coffee farmers from the Bugisu region. Under Mafabi’s leadership, BCU has undergone significant reforms aimed at restoring its profitability and safeguarding the interests of the farmers.

Mafabi took over BCU at a time when the cooperative was grappling with mismanagement, corruption, and financial losses. His leadership was instrumental in turning around the fortunes of the cooperative by introducing more transparency, cutting costs, and advocating for better prices for farmers. He also championed value addition in the coffee sector, pushing for the local processing of coffee beans to increase farmers’ earnings.

His work with BCU has earned him widespread admiration, particularly from the farming community, and he is regarded as a key figure in Uganda’s cooperative movement. Mafabi has emphasized the need for cooperatives to play a more prominent role in Uganda’s economic development, particularly in empowering smallholder farmers.

Political Ideology and Influence
Mafabi is a member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s largest opposition party. He is known for his populist approach to politics, emphasizing policies that promote social justice, economic equality, and transparency in government. Throughout his career, Mafabi has consistently called for more investment in rural development, education, healthcare, and agriculture, sectors he believes are critical for Uganda’s growth and development.

His views often put him at odds with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, particularly on issues of corruption and governance. Mafabi has been a fierce critic of what he sees as the centralization of power in the presidency and the erosion of democratic institutions in Uganda. His outspoken nature has made him a key figure in Uganda’s political landscape, respected even by his political opponents for his integrity and consistency.

Personal Life and Legacy
Nathan Nandala Mafabi is married and has children. He is a devout Christian and is known for his humility and close connection to his constituents in Budadiri West. Despite his national prominence, Mafabi remains deeply rooted in his local community, frequently engaging with his constituents on issues affecting them.

His legacy in Ugandan politics is that of a principled leader who has consistently fought for transparency, accountability, and the welfare of the marginalized. Whether through his role in Parliament or his work with the BCU, Mafabi has been a steadfast advocate for the people of Uganda, particularly the rural poor. His work with BCU, in particular, stands as a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of smallholder farmers, and he continues to push for policies that will enhance their livelihoods.

In recent years, Mafabi has also been involved in discussions about Uganda’s economic future, particularly in terms of how the country can better leverage its natural resources and human capital for development. He remains a significant voice in the opposition, and his contributions to both Uganda’s political and economic landscape have left an indelible mark