Tensions have escalated within the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as the party finds itself confronted with two upcoming and conflicting national delegates conferences—one initiated by the party’s chairman and the other by the electoral commission’s chairperson.
Addressing the press at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, FDC’s deputy spokesperson, Mr. John Kikonyongo, expressed the party’s lack of awareness regarding the delegates’ conference announced by Mr. Wasswa Birigwa, the party’s chairperson.
The allegation is that Mr. Birigwa failed to notify key party administrators, leading to a lack of approval for the extraordinary conference.
Mr. Kikonyongo explained that essential party administrators, including the treasurer overseeing the budget and the secretary general responsible for administrative aspects of all delegates’ conferences, were not informed, rendering the extraordinary conference unauthorized.
Mr. Birigwa had issued a notice dated August 18 for an extraordinary National Delegates Conference scheduled for September 19.
This conference occurs less than a month prior to the second National Delegates Conference convened by Mr. Boniface Tuterebuka, the chairperson of the electoral commission, set for October 6.
While these conferences have distinct agendas, both entail substantial budgets to accommodate over 1,400 delegates from various regions.
The simultaneous existence of two competing events has left party supporters uncertain.
The agenda for Mr. Birigwa’s extraordinary conference involves receiving reports from key party officials and will proceed with plenary sessions, resolutions, and adjournment.
In contrast, the second National Delegates Conference aims to elect the National Executive Committee’s leadership, including the party president, deputy presidents, and secretary general.
Mr. Kikonyongo highlighted the financial strain on the party to host both events, emphasizing the need for the chairperson to coordinate with other party leaders to reconcile the situation.
He also raised concerns about the funding source for Mr. Birigwa’s conference.
While Mr. Birigwa directed inquiries to the acting spokesperson, Ms. Salaam Musumba, her phone remained unanswered. In an earlier interview with NTV, Ms. Musumba defended the chairperson’s right to convene the special meeting, citing the necessity to address ongoing internal conflicts.
Mr. Kikonyongo, however, emphasized that the National Delegates Conference organized by Mr. Tuterebuka would proceed since it had received party approval.