*Why Muntu will defeat Besigye again
*The contest will become uglier with tribalism claims taking center stage
*Pragmatism Vs Extremism
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has set a precedent while conducting its internal political exercise.
A precedent; where it sends signals to its rival (ruling party) that democracy must prevail and that there must be a smooth transfer of power through which an election must occur, however heated it must be, the party emerges a winner even though an individual wins the contest.
On November 17, FDC will for the third time elect a new party president.
The constitution stipulates that the party must choose a new leader every after 5 years and it allows a president to contest for two terms.
Having been elected on 22nd November 2012, as FDC president, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu sought re-election and yesterday Monday he was nominated at the head offices in Najjananjumbi.
He is vying for the seat alongside other five candidates who among others include; Patrick Amuriat, Moses Byamugisha, Mubarak Munyagwa and others.
Whereas, it’s a 6 horse race, it is evident the competition is between two heavy weights; Muntu- a known moderate who subscribes to politics of tolerance, grass root mobilization and dialogue.
Amuriat- a former member of parliament who is little known to the citizenry particularly ordinary party supporters is a radical and loyal to Col Kizza Besigye’s camp which has openly fought the current party leadership because the Muntu administration doesn’t believe in a radicalized political approach.
In fact the FDC is split into two factions; Najjanankumbi which runs the main stream party and Katonga base where ‘dissidents’ spearheaded by Kizza Besigye sit
But as moderate political pundits credit Muntu for swinging the party infrastructure behind Besigye’s activism that his (Besigye) saw his percentage increase in the previous general polls.
Who supports who?
In this piece TrumpetNews unveils FDC stalwarts who have openly or covertly declared their support for two main candidates.
Najjanankumbi (Muntu camp)
Being the sitting president Muntu has the party top brass behind his candidature and also a big section of National Executive Committee (NEC) members and most of the delegates (voters) because he has been in touch with them for 5 years.
Winnie Kizza: She is the current Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) and she was appointed by Muntu. It would be betrayal to see her switch camps to rival Katonga. She is also Woman MP for Kasese district. Therefore she holds a big chance of connecting to voters in her constituency and urges them to vote her candidate.
Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda: He is the Kyadondo legislator and also holds two powerful party positions as spokesperson and chief whip in parliament.
Although Ssemujju is known for his radical character he has since become modest and works closely with his boss Muntu who appointed him as chief whip. Rallying behind him in this election would be payback.
Joyce Ssebuggwawo: The current mayor of Rubaga divison is one of the FDC historical, wealthy and commands respect.
Alice Alaso: She is the acting FDC president after Muntu stepped aside to campaign for upcoming elections. As a secretary general in 2012, Alaso played a key role in Muntu’s election. She was even accused to rigging the elections.
Waswa Biriggwa: He is the national council chairman who has a big influence in Buganda.
Paul Mwiru: He is the deputy spokesman and also an MP from Eastern Uganda. In his election Muntu played an important role it is therefore disappointing if he supported Amuriat.
Munini Mulera: He is an FDC sympathizer, a Ugandan born based in Canada and a confidant of Gen Muntu. He also funds Muntu’s campaigns and can influence FDC members in the diaspora to mobilize cash for his candidate
Amuriat (Katonga base)
Patrick Amuriat was Member of Parliament for 15 years until last year when Kumi county electorate voted otherwise.
“Very articulate, aggressive, and to some extent tribal,” a political analyst described Amuriat.
He is among the FDC leaders who have closely worked to undermine the Muntu administration on grounds that he failed to run the party.
There is no doubt he was fronted by Dr. Kizza Besigye who runs a parallel establishment which bases at Katonga road in Kampala even after relinquishing power in 2012 as FDC president.
This establishment is dubbed ‘peoples’ government’ which was formed last year.
Peoples’ government overshadows the infrastructure at Najjankumbi, however it has failed to show results but rather subscribes to confrontational political approach where its members have numerously been detained in security facilities for undermining the law.
The People’s government continues to display insolence towards the NRM regime and refers to it rogue and a cable of dictatorship.
Nevertheless it has earned its support through its extreme approach.
Amuriat has several respected top shots rallying behind him who are out of FDC leadership.
Samuel Makokha: He is a Ugandan born on a self imposed exile in Holland and also a coordinator a failed ‘militia outfit’ dubbed power 10 formed by Besigye under the guise of protecting votes in during 2016 elections.
Makokha would support any candidate as long as he/she is attached to Col Kizza Besigye and subscribes to the unsuccessful rebellious approach.
Makokha, using social network platform Whatsapp explicitly refers to Muntu as a failure who deserves to lead a primary school not a powerful political establishment like FDC.
Kizza Besigye: He is Amuriat’s godfathter and most revered leader in FDC ranks.
His endurance to take on the regime, sent into trenches, imprisoned, tortured and persecuted but has never changed course leaves him a Mandela of Uganda.
But his hidden agenda in obstructing new emerging leaders in his party has leaves many questioning his intent and whether he is anyway different from his longtime political adversary President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
It is on record that Besigye has never endorsed Gen Muntu as his successor.
Nandala Mafabi: Every political enthusiast knew FDC secretary general would step aside and vie for the seat again but he surprised many.
He contested against Muntu in 2012, a race that almost disintegrated the party. The post election aftermath has since left FDC at crossroads of disintegration.
Wafula Ogutu: He is the former LoP and FDC spokesman. He would fall where his boss Besigye falls.
Ingrid Turinawe: She is the head of mobilization in FDC. It would be an abomination if she turned against her close friend Besigye and supported Muntu.
Francis Mwijukye: The Buhweju district lawmaker just like Ingrid, he ‘drinks, eats, and dreams’ Besigye.
(Watch out for Part 11)
