Uganda’s powerful opposition leader Col (rtd) Kizza Besigye has reacted to the silence of a couple of FDC top shots saying it’s time they step down and allow ‘fresh blood’ takeover the party administration.
The FDC is split into two faction- the Moderates- who subscribe to building structures, the Activists- who want to take power through ‘violent’ means.
A number of senior leaders within this opposition establishment however don’t subscribe to Activism, and therefore they detached themselves from the mainstream party when once Besigye’s allies took over leadership.
These moderates are among founding members who in the past actively engaged in activities of FDC and firmly believed in dislodging the ruling regime.
But with Besigye failing to relinquish power even when he had announced his retirement, it earned him distrust and many began perceiving him as selfish and no different from Museveni- a man he has criticised for refusing to quit power.
Appearing on NTV talkshow on Thursday evening, the moderator Patrick Kamara put it to him that personalities like John Kazoora, Amanya Mushega, Augustine Ruzindana, Musinguzi Garuga and others have laid back and no longer participate in FDC.
Besigye responded saying old leaders should step down and pave way for young Ugandans to takeover power.
Asked why he wouldn’t quit leadership since he is in the same age bracket, Besigye responded, “you are very much aware that I am not in any position in the party. In 2012 I quit leadership before I finished my term.”
Whereas it’s true Besigye doesn’t have any position in FDC, the fact remains that he controls the party on his finger tips, with many members worshipping him, this has prompted his detractors to question his difference from President Yoweri Museveni.
Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu who succeeded Besigye in 2012 faced hostility from the activists until 2017 when he was ousted by Patrick Oboi Amuriat who Besigye openly supported.
This further cracked the party as many pro- Muntu supporters threatened to quit FDC on grounds that they couldn’t operate in an environment in which they were not trusted.
Muntu, therefore embarked on countrywide consultations from which he will announce his next decision.
