Unlike in 2012 when Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) didn’t endorse its candidate Hon Anita Among (who won party primaries then) to participate in the elections of Uganda’s representatives to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
This time FDC has fronted two candidates Florence Ibbi and Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti to fully partake in the exercise slated for 27th at the Parliament of Uganda.
In 2012, FDC boycotted the elections protesting a huge share of slots (6) enjoyed by the ruling party NRM out of 9 where opposition parties compete for 2 as one is left for independents.
As a result a stalemate arose in Parliament as opposition laboured to have new rules of procedure on sharing positions.
However, NRM maintained on sending 6 candidates leaving FDC stuck and eventually retracting from the elections.
The leader of opposition in Parliament- then Nandala Mafabi lashed out at other opposition parties (DP, UPC) for betrayal having breached the truce to boycott the electoral process.
DP fielded a candidate Hon Fred Mukasa Mbidde who is seeking a re-election and UPC fronted Hon Chris Opoka while Susan Nakawuki won as independent.
FDC until today is amused by the unfair lion’s share of slots taken by NRM.
Losing again
The FDC secretary general has already written to the clerk of parliament informing her that the party has fielded Ingrid as a second runner up, although the rules of procedure require only one candidate – Florence Ibbi.
Previously FDC used to send two representatives to Arusha but procedure changed when a slot for independent candidates was introduced. Those days, Amanya Mushega would legislate alongside Mugisha Muntu.
In this analysis, TrumpetNews brings you details why there are no hopes for the powerful opposition party to legislate in the regional parliament.
FDC has fielded two new candidates (Ingrid and Ibbi) who will be competing with incumbent Mbidde (DP) and Opoka of UPC.
The NRM has the biggest Electoral College in Parliament and therefore are influencers in this election.
Already, Mbidde has established a rapport with the ruling party to a an extent that President Museveni branded him ‘good DP) as the country celebrated liberation day.
This was a veiled signal that NRM already endorsed him for EALA.
While addressing the assembly which sat in Kampala last month outgoing Speaker Rt Hon Dan Kidega openly told the House that most members were serving their last term except the trio- Mbidde, Opoka and Nakawuki and according to their scorecard they represented the country highly and deserved a re-election.
Opoka is in EALA because of NRM. After the Obote family agreed to collaborate with the regime, President Museveni rewarded them by sending Opoka to EALA.
Until today, Jimmy Akena who is the president of UPC enjoys bilateral relationships with the first family. And there is no doubt NRM will vote Opoka same way Akena’s wife Betty Amongi is the cabinet Minister for Lands despite her political affiliation.
As FDC struggles to compel parliament adopt new rules of procure and review NRM’s lion share (6 slots), yesterday the party selected 6 candidates. This leaves FDC with no choice but repeat the 2012 boycott or to accept a miserable defeat on 27th.
