Tensions within Uganda's largest opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), escalated as Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the incumbent FDC president seeking re-election, dared Erias Lukwago, the acting president of the Katonga faction, to follow through on his threat to storm the party headquarters.
Amuriat, who is conducting the final campaigns for his re-election bid, reassured FDC members aligned with the Najjanankumbi faction that the party would remain strong despite ongoing internal disputes. Delegates from various districts of Kampala gathered in the compound of the party president's home, eagerly listening to candidates vying for leadership positions within the party.
Geoffrey Ekanya, an FDC member and contestant, declared, "We are at a crossroads; DP is gone, NUP is so weak – the only party that has hope is you." These delegates are staunch supporters of the Najjanankumbi faction, led by Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nandala Mafabi.
Akello Judith Franca, a former Member of Parliament representing Agago and now a candidate for the party's treasurer-general position, expressed her belief that the FDC holds a strong position in politics.
Following his campaign address, Amuriat addressed Erias Lukwago's earlier threat to storm and take over the party headquarters.
"I would advise him not to attempt to use force. If he has points to make, let him come to us and make his point. I think that threat is misconceived; it should never be deployed; it is extremely risky. Let him come; we will give him an equal measure." Amuriat stated.
Amuriat acknowledged that the FDC has faced challenges in the past but described the current infighting as unprecedented. He accused Lukwago of failing the party and hiding behind others.
"I have known him in all our defiance work as being somebody who runs away from engagement. You just touch him a little, he makes too much noise. You see, that is a person who is chest-thumping, and whom I really think is a real joker; he is not going to come." he said.
Despite the internal strife, Amuriat expressed confidence that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the FDC. The party is currently preparing for an election scheduled for this Friday. Failure to conduct the election on time may pose risks, including a constitutional crisis and potential de-registration of the FDC.
"If we don't have this election concluded by 7th October this year, then we will have a constitutional crisis, and we don't want to have this. This constitutional crisis will result in us not having leadership and the risk of de-registration of the FDC. Delegates are set to converge in Lugogo for the election process, yet the Katonga faction is preparing a parallel event." Amuriat emphasized the urgency of the situation
As the FDC grapples with internal divisions and the impending election, political observers are closely monitoring the situation, which has significant implications for Uganda's opposition landscape.
