The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party finds itself grappling with dual leaderships as it prepares for its national delegates conference to elect a new National Executive Committee (NEC).
The party’s divisions have given rise to two distinct factions: the Katonga faction, led by Mr. Lukwago, and the Najjanankumbi faction, still under the leadership of Mr. Amuriat as party president.
The FDC’s Electoral Commission, chaired by Mr. Boniface Bamwenda Toterebuka, recently announced a campaign roadmap leading up to the conference.
Last week, 79 candidates successfully secured nominations to compete for 51 available positions, while seven positions did not attract any candidates.
Campaigning officially commenced yesterday and is scheduled to conclude on October 4, just before the elections on October 6. The conference is expected to host approximately 1,000 delegates who will participate in the election process.
Mr. Toterebuka emphasized that the elected candidates are expected to serve in accordance with the party’s constitution until their term ends in 2028. To facilitate the democratic process, candidates have the freedom to hold town hall meetings with the party’s delegates.
Mr. Toterebuka issued a stern warning to candidates, cautioning them against engaging in voter bribery, violence, or resorting to abusive language in an attempt to influence voters.
However, the recent schism within the opposition party has created a complex scenario.
The Katonga faction, aligned with former party president Dr. Kizza Besigye, has opted to boycott the electoral process organized by the Najjanankumbi faction.
They argue that internal disputes within the party should be resolved before conducting elections.
In response to this division, the party’s national chairman, Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, called for an extraordinary delegates’ conference, a move met with resistance from the party president, Mr. Patrick Amuriat, and Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi.
Despite a court order against it, the delegates’ conference took place last week and elected Mr. Erias Lukwago as interim party president, temporarily suspending the leadership of Mr. Amuriat and Mr. Mafabi.
Nevertheless, Mr. Toterebuka maintains that his commission is organizing the elections in full compliance with the law, and voters are not obligated by law to participate in the electoral process.
The battle for the party’s top position has attracted two candidates, including the incumbent chair, Mr. Amuriat, and former youth league leader Moses Mugisha.
Several other individuals are competing for various positions, including Mr. Yusuf Nsibambi and Ms. Margaret Madanda for deputy party president of the Central Region, and Mr. Kaps Fungaroo for deputy president of the Northern Region.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mafabi is running unopposed for his secretary-general position, and Ms. Judith Akello and Geoffrey Ekanya are vying for the treasurer general position.
