FDC Faces Deep Division as Lukwago Assumes Presidency Amidst Turmoil

By Kundu Ronald

Kampala, September 20, 2023 - The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda's prominent political parties, has been plunged into a crisis of unprecedented magnitude. Tensions within the party have escalated dramatically following an Extraordinary Delegates Conference held in Kampala, resulting in the suspension of key party leaders and the appointment of an Interim President.

Amidst this turmoil, Eng Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the outgoing party President, declared his readiness to be nominated as the FDC President once again, while the party's Secretary General, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, announced his intention to run for the presidency in the 2026 elections. These developments have created a deep divide within the FDC and cast uncertainty over its future direction.

The Extraordinary Delegates Conference: A Pivotal Moment

The FDC's Extraordinary Delegates Conference convened in Kampala with high expectations, but it quickly turned into a battleground for internal strife. The conference made headlines as it resulted in the suspension of several top party officials.

Eng Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who has been at the helm of the FDC, found himself suspended from his role as party President. In an unexpected twist, Erias Lukwago, the City Lord Mayor and party Vice President in charge of Buganda, was appointed as the Interim President. Harold Kaija stepped in as Secretary-General, and Francis Mwijukye assumed the role of Treasurer, with all three having previously served as deputies to the suspended officials.

This interim leadership is expected to serve for a six-month period, during which the party aims to address its internal challenges and chart a way forward. Lukwago, in his new capacity as Party President, has made it clear that one of his top priorities will be challenging the legitimacy of the Delegates Conference scheduled for October 6, 2023. He has labeled this conference, organized by the party's Electoral Commission, as illegal and has urged his newly appointed colleagues to remain steadfast in pursuing the FDC's agenda.

Chaos and Controversy at the Conference Venue

The Extraordinary Delegates Conference called by the party's National Chairman, Wasswa Birigwa, was initially slated to take place at his Nature's Green Beach Resort in Busabala. However, the conference quickly descended into chaos. By 8 a.m., security forces, including over 15 officers from the Field Force Unit (FFU) and more than 10 military personnel, had cordoned off the beach resort, preventing access to the venue.

Delegates who had arrived early were denied entry, and journalists were instructed to stay away as no activity was allowed at the venue. In a shocking turn of events, a group of more than 30 non-uniformed individuals near the beach resort reportedly assaulted a man who claimed to be a delegate for the meeting.

With the conference venue effectively locked down, delegates were forced to relocate to the Katonga office, where they convened and made crucial decisions that would reverberate through the party.

Accusations and Counteraccusations

The lead-up to the Extraordinary Delegates Conference was marked by a war of words among FDC members. John Kikonyogo, the Deputy Spokesperson of the FDC, accused those advocating for the conference of having ulterior motives aimed at removing President Amuriat and Secretary General Mafabi from their positions.

Addressing the press at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kikonyogo asserted that the proponents of the extraordinary delegates conference lacked clear objectives other than their desire to oust the party's leadership. This public exchange of accusations further deepened the internal divisions within the FDC.

Election Controversy and Governance Concerns

The root of the crisis within the FDC can be traced back to allegations of financial irregularities and contested internal elections. Three months ago, allegations of "dirty" money began circulating, sparking a public debate. A faction within the FDC had called for the suspension of elections until these allegations were resolved.

However, President Amuriat and Secretary General Mafabi rejected the proposal, arguing that it contradicted decisions made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Council. The disputed elections proceeded in various parts of the country, leading to significant tensions within the party.

By July 28, during the FDC's Special National Council, it was reported that several areas had already selected their leaders at the village level. Kikonyogo disclosed that the National Council had resolved that areas yet to elect their leaders would work with the electoral commission to organize elections.

A Murky Path Forward

As the dust settles from the Extraordinary Delegates Conference, the FDC is left grappling with a deeply fractured party structure and a leadership crisis. The suspension of key leaders and the emergence of rival presidential bids have created a schism that may be difficult to mend.

The future of the Forum for Democratic Change hangs in the balance, with the party's ability to regain unity and purpose in doubt. Uganda's political landscape faces an uncertain period, and the FDC's internal turmoil will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences as the nation approaches the 2026 presidential elections. The challenge ahead for the FDC is not only to navigate these treacherous waters but also to emerge stronger and more cohesive.