Two of Uganda’s oldest opposition political parties are grappling what could be a major setback as the country prepares to go into an election to elect new political leaders including the President of Uganda.
Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the powerful opposition establishment has not only failed to find a potential flagbearer but also faces massive exodus of party legislators who are joining a breakaway faction- The Alliance for National Transition (ANT) headed by the FDC old boy Gen. Mugisha Muntu.
So far FDC has lost over 10 Members of Parliament and other top figures the latest being Winnie Kiiza who was unveiled on Wednesday at the ANT headquarter.
Winnie Kiiza, a strong FDC MP announced that she will not contest again for Kasese Woman MP and has since said, her struggle to liberate Uganda can only yield fruits in ANT.
Similarly, on Thursday it was merrymaking at Ghetto- NUP head office in Kamwokya, a notorious suburb of Kampala as a group of MPs from Uganda’s oldest party DP swore allegiance to a reggae singer- Bobi Wine real names Robert Kyagulanyi.
Heading a new political establishment, National Unity Platform (NUP) Bobi Wine received a swarm of warring DP legislators, mayors and councilors in wild celebrations.
Whereas the defectors were considered DP dissidents, they are influential in several aspects right from Parliament to commanding a huge following.
Observers say it is a huge blow for DP, although president general Nobert Mao maintains that those had defected long ago.
They include; Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, Medard Sseggona of Busiro East and Mathias Mpuuga Masaka Municipality, Allan Ssewanyana (Makindye West), Moses Kasibante (Rubaga North) Wakiso District chairman Mathias Lwanga Bwanika, Michael Mabikke, DP spokesperson Kenneth Kakande, Democratic Party Chief Mobiliser Jose Chameleon, Muwanga Kivumbi, Robinah Ssentongo, Veronica Namaganda and Florence Namayanja.
Chameleon real names Joseph Mayanja seeks to challenge incumbent Erias Lukwago for Kampala Lord Mayor.
However, what remains challenging for the opposition, is that all the parties continue fishing from each other yet they seek to challenge the ruling NRM.
The NRM chairman also President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni a few years ago prophesied that come 2021 there will be no opposition in Uganda.
Is his prophecy coming to pass?