The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction's efforts to establish a new political party hit a major hurdle in Teso as delegates failed to attend scheduled consultative meetings, highlighting deepening divisions within the opposition.
Col. (Rtd.) Kizza Besigye's campaign to register a new political party faced significant resistance in Teso and Bugisu, regions associated with FDC leaders Nandala Mafabi and Patrick Oboi Amuriat.
Despite successful meetings in districts like Mbarara, Kabale, and Hoima, the Teso consultations were marked by a notable absence of delegates.Local sources indicated that delegates in Teso and Bugisu, who have traditionally supported the Najjanankumbi faction of the FDC, warned Besigye’s team to address internal party conflicts before seeking their support.
This boycott underscores the rift within the FDC that escalated last year when Besigye accused Mafabi and Amuriat of accepting funds from President Museveni during the 2021 elections an FDC memberTeso noted,
“The delegates' absence sends a clear message that reconciliation within the party must precede any new political ambitions.”
Even media personnel reportedly avoided covering the flopped meetings, further highlighting the lack of local support for Besigye’s initiative.
Besigye’s detractors argue that his approach of separation rather than dialogue is the root cause of the current impasse.
"He has a history of accusing colleagues of being moles without evidence, pushing them out of the party," said Katumba John FDC member.
This tactic was previously seen in the ousting of former FDC Party President Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, who was similarly accused and marginalized.
The repercussions of these internal conflicts are evident as FDC Members of Parliament from Teso, West Nile, Lango, and Acholi have thrown their support behind the Najjanankumbi faction.
They have pledged to "politically discipline" Besigye and his supporters, further isolating the Katonga faction.In addition to the lack of delegate support, Besigye’s team struggled to identify party promoters and collect necessary signatures, a critical step in registering a new political party.
This failure has raised questions about the viability of Besigye's political strategy.Besigye's critics argue that his insistence on founding a new party rather than pursuing reconciliation or joining forces with other opposition parties, such as the National Unity Platform (NUP), undermines the broader opposition’s ability to challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) effectively.
"Individualism and selfishness are the biggest challenges facing opposition leaders in Uganda," noted a political analyst. "
This disunity prevents them from forming a united front against the NRM."
Historically, Teso has been a stronghold for the FDC, along with regions like Buganda, Rukungiri, and Kasese.
However, shifts in political allegiance have seen Buganda gravitate towards the NUP, and Rukungiri, Besigye's home district, fall under NRM control.
The recent snub in Teso is a significant blow to Besigye’s efforts to remain a central figure in Uganda’s opposition politics.
Observers suggest that reconciliation within the FDC or alliances with other opposition factions may offer a more promising path forward than the creation of yet another political party.
