In a rather fast turn of events, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), based in Najjanankumbi, has officially severed its affiliation with the People's Government. This decision marks a crucial turning point and underscores the FDC's pursuit of a distinct path forward.
The FDC, a prominent opposition party in Uganda, had been closely aligned with the People's Government, an initiative initiated by Dr. Kizza Besigye in June 2016, with shared goals of promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.
FDC President Patrick Amuriat announced that the FDC National Executive Committee reached a unanimous decision to revoke the resolution establishing the partnership with the People's Government. Consequently, the FDC will cease its involvement in any activities associated with the People's Government. Any potential resumption of this association is contingent upon the resolution of conflicts between the two entities.
Amuriat explained that the decision to disengage followed a series of challenges faced by the FDC since 2018, resulting in significant discord, particularly around the 2021 elections. These internal challenges led to allegations and counter-allegations that garnered public attention.
Amuriat expressed regret over certain FDC members who had taken a hostile stance against the party in violation of its constitution. They continued to present themselves as FDC leaders, despite the matter having been resolved during the National Delegates conference on October 30, 2023, with the election and swearing-in of new leaders.
He further highlighted the unauthorized use of FDC branding, symbols, slogans, and party documents by these members during their activities as illegal. Amuriat warned that the party is fully prepared to take robust disciplinary actions against these individuals through a disciplinary committee. He urged these members to cease identifying themselves as FDC leaders and called upon every FDC member to distance themselves from these individuals masquerading as faction leaders.
Amuriat emphasized that there are no factions within the FDC and that claims of a "Katonga faction" or "Najjanankumbi faction" were entirely baseless. He viewed the actions of certain individuals as primarily motivated by self-interest.
The FDC's internal conflict initially flared when the Katonga group, led by Dr. Kizza Besigye, accused Amuriat and Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi of receiving money from the ruling regime without the party's top leadership's knowledge. Both Amuriat and Mafabi have consistently denied these allegations.
This decision to discontinue the affiliation with the People's Government signifies the FDC's determination to chart its course and address the internal divisions that have posed challenges to the party's unity and cohesion in recent years. It remains to be seen how this development will influence the landscape of Ugandan opposition politics.
