In an effort to regain supporters who left the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) for the FDC Katonga faction, FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat has already dished out over UGX 100 million on the gazetted UGX 450 M. This move aims to entice back those who crossed ove to the Katonga Faction.
Notable among those welcomed back during the FDC National Council meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2024, were Hon. Okin PP Ojara, the MP for Chwa West County in Kitgum District, Joan Achom Alobo, and others.
In his return speech, Hon. Ojara expressed his commitment to FDC and acknowledged that he had earlier been misled.
“I know of only one FDC where the official stamp lies, with a known physical address. I followed a wrong light ray in Katonga, thinking there was a genuine light that could save me. Unfortunately, I was wrong, but now I am back home and will not go back,” said Ojara.
The split within the FDC occurred after Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda, the Kira Municipality MP, accused Nathan Nandala Mafabi and Patrick Oboi Amuriat of betraying the party by doing backdoor cash dealings with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to Patrick Oboi Amuriat, FDC is actively engaging and working to bring back supporters from the Katonga faction. Sources in the FDC finance department revealed that they have budgeted UGX 450 million to attract influential members back
The confident Amuriat also hinted at ongoing efforts to bring more supporters back, saying, “The public should expect more surprises.”
In the meantime, the FDC Katonga faction, led by Dr. Kizza Besigye and interim president Erias Lukwago, is facing challenges. Recently, during a signature collection event aimed at registering a new party called the People’s Front for Freedom (PPF), over 500 supporters were left stranded after Lukwago failed to provide transport refunds.
According to sources, Amuriat is capitalising on the situattion at the Katonga offices by trying to win back the crucial members that had earlier crossed over. He’s willing to give a handsome amount of cash to whoever is willing to
Jack Sabiiti, the National Party chairman of FDC, criticized the Katonga leadership for trying to disrupt FDC’s mission over minor issues. He stated that the Najjanankumbi leadership remains focused on the party’s future.