The political landscape in Uganda has witnessed a significant upheaval as Kira Municipality Member of Parliament (MP) Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has declared his intention to part ways with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) unless the opposition party undergoes substantial reforms.
Ssemujju Nganda's discontent with the FDC leadership, helmed by party president Patrick Amuriat and secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has been simmering since July. The MP has embarked on an unrelenting campaign to expose what he perceives as wrongdoing within the party. He has accused the FDC's top leadership of introducing "dirty money" into the party, an accusation that Mafabi and Amuriat have declined to address by revealing the source of these funds. Ssemujju Nganda has additionally leveled allegations of incompetence and a covert agenda to align the FDC with President Yoweri Museveni.
Speaking to NBS Television, Ssemujju Nganda stated his readiness to sever ties with the FDC if the party's leadership fails to address these issues and implement meaningful reforms. He expressed his willingness to explore alternative political platforms that align more closely with his principles and vision.
"If the FDC can reform, I will be glad. If those who have captured it want to take it to Museveni, I wish them well. We will identify another platform whether it will be individual or group, and then we will continue," Ssemujju Nganda asserted.
He further highlighted the party's perceived departure from its founding principles, underscoring that he sees no reason to remain affiliated with an organization that no longer aligns with his values.
"FDC is not a religion, it is not my faith, not my clan. If FDC is no longer a forum for democratic change, really, what business do I have with it? You can say anything but I will move on. Even if there are no parties," the MP emphasized.
This declaration follows Ssemujju Nganda's recent dismissal from his role as the FDC chief whip, with Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi replacing him. The firing came in the aftermath of Ssemujju Nganda's public allegations against Mafabi and Amuriat, claiming they had received suspicious financial contributions from President Museveni.
Mafabi, in response to the accusations, refuted the claims and alleged that Ssemujju Nganda himself benefited from the ruling government. He questioned the source of Ssemujju Nganda's seemingly lavish campaigns and hinted at a potential alliance between the MP and party founding leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye for their personal gain.
As the FDC faces internal divisions and its leadership contends with accusations and counter-accusations, the party's future direction hangs in the balance. Ssemujju Nganda's stance serves as a powerful reminder of the evolving dynamics within Uganda's political arena, where party affiliations are subject to scrutiny and loyalty hinges on alignment with core values and principles.
