In a recent revelation, Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure in Uganda and a four-time presidential candidate, has shed light on his decision not to support Patrick Oboi Amuriat as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate in the 2021 elections. Besigye cited concerns over undisclosed campaign funding from unknown sources, referring to it as 'dirty money.'
During the 2021 general elections, the FDC found itself embroiled in internal conflicts related to allegations of undisclosed campaign financing. Party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi were accused of receiving significant sums of money from President Museveni, an allegation they denied.
Besigye explained that the 'dirty money' originated from the very source they were fighting against in the elections, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the campaign. He emphasized the absence of a campaign management team and the involvement of funds from another candidate, President Museveni, which led him to view the election as compromised.
Besigye's decision not to participate was communicated to senior party leaders in 2018 when he advised them to find a suitable alternative candidate. However, he was surprised to see that his advice went unheeded, and Amuriat was hastily chosen at the last minute.
Once Amuriat became the candidate, he established a campaign bureau headed by Ambassador Wsswa Birigwa. However, Amuriat later disbanded the Campaign Bureau with no plans to reinstate it.
Following Besigye's statement, the committee summoned FDC Secretary General Nandala Mafabi. Mafabi clarified that the party faced a financial crisis before the 2021 General Elections, requiring approximately Shs 2.7 billion. The National Executive Committee authorized him to borrow funds to sustain party activities during that period.
Mafabi further revealed that they had approached Besigye for financial assistance, but he requested a budget, which they provided, and then received no response. He emphasized that his efforts to mobilize resources were for the benefit of the party and presented evidence of a significant withdrawal from his personal account.
Regarding the disbandment of the campaign bureau, Mafabi explained that the bureau's budget was inflated to an excessive amount of Shs 130 billion while the party struggled to finance basic activities. The disbandment was directed by the presidential candidate, Amuriat, and the party's administrative staff took over the assigned activities.
Amuriat recently disclosed that Besigye asked him to support the National Unity Platform's Robert Kyagulanyi during the 2021 general election. Although FDC values Besigye's advice, Amuriat noted that there is no guarantee they will implement everything he suggests.
The party currently faces division into two factions due to disagreements arising from the undisclosed source of funding offered to Amuriat and the party's secretary general. On September 19, the Katonga faction ousted Amuriat and Mafabi, replacing them with their deputies Erias Lukwago and Harold Kaija. However, both Nandala and Amuriat were nominated on September 21 by the Najjanankumbi faction in an attempt to retain their positions for another term.
The internal conflicts within FDC continue to shape Uganda's political landscape.
