The Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is embroiled in internal conflict as the party’s leadership threatens to take action against two senior officials for alleged insubordination and failure to respect party authority.
Mr. Erias Lukwago, the party’s deputy president for central/Buganda, who also serves as the Lord Mayor of Kampala, and Mr. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the party spokesperson and Kira municipality MP, have been accused of spreading false information about the party president, Mr. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, and Mr. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the secretary-general.
Mr. Amuriat addressed the media, expressing concern over Mr. Ssemujju’s conduct, stating that he has used his position as the party spokesperson to launch attacks on the party, tarnishing its image.
He believes disciplinary action is necessary in this case. Mr. Lukwago, on the other hand, was criticized for allegedly not fulfilling his duties as the deputy president for Buganda region.
The party leader accused him of being unresponsive to activism in the city and failing to provide leadership for party programs in the region.
In addition to these accusations, there are allegations of a bribery plot aimed at selling FDC to President Museveni, in which the two officials are implicated.
Mr. Amuriat raised concerns about a meeting organized by Mr. Lukwago and Mr. Ssemujju, claiming that the funding for the event came from suspicious sources.
Mr. Mafabi, the FDC chief whip in Parliament, has demanded that Mr. Ssemujju provide evidence to support his allegations. He refuted the claims that Mr. Ssemujju has been the biggest beneficiary of government funding and questioned his extensive travels, hinting at possible misconduct.
In response, Mr. Ssemujju emphasized that any decision to subject him to the disciplinary committee should be made by FDC’s National Council or National Executive Council, claiming that the party belongs to all members, not just Mr. Amuriat and Mr. Mafabi.
He explained that his travels are accountable to Parliament, and he is willing to provide proper accountability if funded by the party.
Both Mr. Lukwago and Mr. Ssemujju brushed off the disciplinary threats, asserting that such action is beyond the powers of Mr. Amuriat and Mr. Mafabi.
They believe the meeting they organized was within their mandates, and any action against them should follow the party’s constitution.
As the FDC faces internal tensions and disputes, the party’s leadership will have to navigate these challenges to maintain unity and focus on its political objectives.