Nandala Slams Speaker Among For Meddling In FDC Affairs

By Kundu Ronald

August 17, 2023

The Secretary General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Nandala Mafabi, has raised concerns over the involvement of Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, in the party's internal matters. Mafabi's accusations stem from Speaker Among's rejection of the removal of Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda as the Chief Whip of the FDC.

In a letter dated August 17, 2023, Mafabi conveyed to Speaker Among that the FDC is not seeking to remove Ssemujju from Parliament entirely, but rather relieving him of his duties as the FDC Whip within Parliament. Mafabi suggested that any FDC Members of Parliament who are discontent with this decision should address their concerns through the party's internal channels rather than approaching Parliament.

Speaker Among, on the other hand, had cited a petition from certain FDC MPs as the basis for her rejection of Ssemujju's removal. These MPs claimed that proper party procedures were not followed in the decision-making process.

However, Mafabi asserted that this assertion is inaccurate. He detailed that the FDC has a Working Committee within the National Executive Committee (NEC), which operates as the party's internal decision-making body. According to Mafabi, the FDC MPs who approached the Speaker with their concerns had petitioned the wrong office, as they are not part of the Working Committee that holds the authority over such matters.

Mafabi further elaborated that the FDC's internal structure, as outlined in its constitution, clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of different committees and bodies. He contended that the MPs who approached Speaker Among had misconstrued the nature of their complaints and failed to follow the appropriate channels for addressing their grievances.

In his letter to Speaker Among, Mafabi also highlighted the distinction between the roles of the National Executive Committee, the National Council, and the National Delegates Conference within the FDC. He emphasized that the functions of appointing Whip or Parliamentary Officer holders are not within the purview of these bodies, as they are governed by separate articles in the party's constitution.

Mafabi concluded by expressing his belief that Speaker Among's involvement in the FDC's internal affairs goes against the Political Parties and Organizations Act, as it appears to interfere with the party's autonomous operations. He clarified that the FDC's decision to relieve Ssemujju of his role as Chief Whip was executed in accordance with the party's constitution and the relevant legal provisions.

The ongoing dispute between the FDC and Speaker Among underscores the challenges that can arise when the boundaries between political parties and parliamentary proceedings become blurred. The Secretary General's letter serves as a reminder of the significance of adhering to internal party procedures while also respecting the legislative processes of the nation.

For more information email us at ronaldkundu@gmail.com