Leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction in Kampala metropolitan have unanimously decided to forge ahead with the formation of a new political party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape following a bitter fallout with the party's current leadership.
The decision to establish a new party was reached during a consultative meeting held in Kireka, Kira Municipality, spearheaded by Kira Municipality MP Hon. Ssemujju Nganda. The meeting brought together party leaders from Kampala and the metropolitan area to deliberate on the future direction of the faction.
Acting party president Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago, national chairperson ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa, secretary general Harold Kaijja, and other key figures were among those present at the gathering.
Various options were presented to the members, including returning to Najjanankumbi, awaiting court decisions, joining another political party, forming a pressure group, or establishing a new political party. Ultimately, the leaders unanimously agreed that forming a new party would best serve their interests and goals.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Hon. Ssemujju confirmed the decision, emphasizing that their primary objective remains the removal of President Museveni from power, regardless of whether they have a political party or not.
Interestingly, support for the move has also come from some Democratic Party (DP) members who feel disillusioned after their party entered into agreements with the Museveni government. Frank Mukuye, speaker of Kira Municipal Council, expressed sentiments of betrayal, citing DP's alliance with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The consultative meeting in Kireka marks the beginning of a series of gatherings across the country aimed at soliciting ideas on how to move forward after the fallout with Najjanankumbi leaders. Consultations are expected to last for two months, culminating in a national executive committee meeting to finalize the strategy for the new political party.
The decision to form a new party underscores the growing discontent within the FDC and highlights the evolving dynamics within Uganda's political landscape as various factions seek to realign themselves ahead of the upcoming political developments.
The Katonga breakaway faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) sometime last year (2023) was triggered by allegations of financial misconduct and 'dirty money' politics. The development, which was widely reported on social media, significantly impacted the political landscape within FDC and the opposition politics at large.
As time moved on, the same money technique into political party’s seems to have taken shape and evidently being highlighted in the ongoing scandals that seem to be tearing National Unity Platform (NUP) apart.
