FDC Founding Members Unite to Save Party Amidst Wrangling

Founding members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) gathered in Namugongo, Wakiso district, to address the internal wrangling within the party and strategize on how to save it from dissolution. The founding members are deeply concerned about the current discord that threatens to split the party and are calling on the party leadership to reflect on the original objectives of FDC’s formation.

Prominent founding members who attended the meeting include Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Wycliffe Byakatonda, Wafula Oguto, Salamu Musumba, Makoha Samuel, Rolland Kaginda, Dr. Olive Kabusingye, Roda, and Mirembe, among others. A few founding members, such as Garuga Musasizi, Captain Byaruhanga, and Atanus Rutaro, were absent but sent apologies.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kiiza Besigye, the founding president, attributed the party’s internal disputes to alleged interference from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) through the use of “dirty money.” He urged party leaders to restore the functionality of the party’s organs and prepare to take over power.

The internal strife within the FDC was triggered by allegations that the faction led by Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala Mafabi received funding from the ruling NRM, causing a rift within the party.

Other founding members emphasized the importance of returning to the original goals of achieving democratic change. They warned that those who do not embrace this vision risk being left behind.

The meeting is expected to yield several resolutions, with Wasswa Birigwa, the interim chairman of the Katonga faction, expressing hope that the solutions agreed upon will provide a lasting resolution to the party’s current internal divisions.