Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda’s powerful opposition establishment is facing yet another turbulence following the exit of lawmakers who publicly stated last week their marriage with the party had come to an end.
Therefore, these MPs who are more than 15 in number declared they wouldn’t hold the FDC flag in the coming election.
Among them include: Aruu County MP Odonga Otto, Angelina Osege, Abdu Katuntu, Robert Centenary, Nabilah Naggayi, Paul Mwiru, Winfred Kiiza and many others.
Their departure leaves FDC cracked at a time, political parties are strengthening their positions in a bid to win power in 2021.
But, the FDC leadership insists the party is not shaken by the defections.
Party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat assured the supporters on Tuesday, that his administration is stronger than ever and continues to engage those who have defected or intend to defect.
But these lawmakers who have announced they are existing or have already, cited irreconcilable difference in the party especially on the question of what strategy should be used within FDC.
The dominant wing, led by Amuriat who is loyal to Kizza Besigye, the FDC godfather believes in activism as the only vehicle to State House.
But the moderates challenged this approach wondering how a party takes power without organizational capabilities.
TRIBALISM
Following the mass exodus of FDC lawmakers, the party leadership faces tribalism claims as a section of supporters say they are harassed by top dogs of the party from standing in particular position particularly in Kampala because they are reserved for only Baganda.
One of the senior leaders who is alleged to be peddling a tribal card is Rubaga Division Mayor Joyce Ssebugwawo, who has served in that position for more than a decade.
According to an insider in FDC who asked not to be mentioned, Ssebugwawo had sabotaged the budding young leaders whom she considers a threat to her seat.
A case in point is the incarceration of Richard Namutala Mubiito, a boda boda rider who recently picked nomination forms to challenge Ssebugwawo.
“She dealt with police and arrested the boy on allegations of mobilizing fellow boda boda cyclists to burn government vehicles,” said a source.
Insider information however suggests that his arrest was orchestrated by a one Ntale, who is Deputy Urban Council Mayor for Rubaga Division. Ntale fears that Mubiito, after securing clearance to run in the FDC primaries is likely to humiliate Joyce Ssebugwawo who is the incumbent Mayor.
A source adds that, Ssebugwawo has connived with a section of other ageing leaders at party secretariat who insist that the Kampala FDC seats are reserved for only Baganda members.
When contacted Mayor Ssebugwawo declined to comment on this matter.
However, we learnt that another clique of FDC members opposed to Ssebugwawo’s wing pursued Mr Mubiito’s matters and nominated him while in police cells.
“By force we had to make sure he gets nominated and challenge these old people in our party,” said a source.
The young vibrant FDC wing maintains that time is up for the old leaders to hand over leadership.
No official at Najjanankumbi was willing to comment on the matter. Hon Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda couldn’t pick his phone call when reached.
But on Monday he dispelled reports that FDC was ripped apart.
