Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the President of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has taken action by referring seven key party officials to the party’s disciplinary committee.
This move is seen as a response to an ongoing internal revolt against Amuriat’s leadership within the party.
The officials named for referral are Erias Lukwago, the FDC Vice President for Buganda; Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the party’s spokesperson; Kennedy Okello, the Secretary to the Presidency; Mubarak Munyagwa, Secretary for Mobilisation; Dr. George Okello Ekware, Deputy Secretary for Mobilisation; Samuel Makhoka W’mugenyi, Deputy Secretary for International and Regional Affairs; and Amon Ayesigome Rubarema, Secretary for Works.
Amuriat’s August 8 letter to the Chairman of FDC’s Disciplinary Committee, James Otto, indicated his intention to recommend disciplinary action against these officials for alleged hostility towards the party.
The party’s constitution, under Article 28 (3),(b) lll), allows the president to take such action when a member fails in their duties and absconds from party activities without reasonable justification.
Mr. Amuriat confirmed his communication with the press, stating that these officials have not been fulfilling their responsibilities. He also mentioned that he would make temporary appointments to fill the vacant positions resulting from these actions.
Mr. Lukwago, the Lord Mayor of Kampala and one of the officials named, responded by calling the move a “bogus document” born out of panic on the part of Amuriat.
He emphasized that he was appointed by the FDC’s National Executive Committee, not by Amuriat.
Mr. Amuriat accused Mr. Ssemujju of neglecting the party’s image, damaging its reputation, and shirking his duties. He also criticized Mr. Lukwago for failing to implement party programs in the Buganda region.
Mr. Otto, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, pledged to ensure a fair process for all members involved and to find a way to bring harmony within the FDC amid this internal conflict.
