The internal rift within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction has reached a boiling point, as funding and loyalty strains continue to escalate, leading to speculation of an imminent third split within the party.
At the heart of the discord lies the second league mobilization drive spearheaded by Dr. Kizza Besigye’s ‘Tujja Tujja’ campaign. Members of parliament aligned with Besigye voiced concerns over shouldering the financial burdens of successive mobilization tours. It has been confirmed that these loyalists have been the primary sponsors of Besigye’s mobilization drives thus far.
Insiders close to these MPs disclosed that they have put considerable effort and financial resources into supporting these tours. However, they have now found themselves in a stressful predicament and have approached Besigye to seek alternative means of funding or face the possibility of a party split. Some members have even raised the idea of forming a new political party, unaffiliated with both Besigye and Nandala Mafabi, in case their concerns are not addressed.
“While some MPs suggested that Besigye reconcile with Nandala, citing his reputed financial acumen and strategic thinking, others disagreed, favoring the creation of a new party if Besigye continues to rely on their already depleted pockets,” revealed the sources.
These insiders also emphasized the need to ramp up efforts to demonize Nandala on social media, as they believe he possesses substantial financial resources and could easily garner support and delegates. They urged Besigye to move beyond mere rhetoric and develop strategies to overcome his financial challenges.
In response, Nandala’s supporters declared their defiance against Besigye’s attempts to vilify their candidate. They insisted that Besigye retire from the political scene, as they believe he has achieved his purpose and his time is up.
“Nandala’s team is resolved to prevent Besigye from tarnishing their candidate’s image. They assert that Besigye’s allegations of dirty money and the payment of influencers to project himself as still relevant in the political arena will be refuted. Auditors have been hired to examine Besigye’s financial history during his tenure as the party’s president,” added the sources.
Political analysts have warned that the ongoing disunity within the FDC could inadvertently favor the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni. The divisions within the opposition party potentially create an opportunity for the NRM to exploit these weaknesses.
For now, all eyes are on the FDC as it navigates this period of confusion, with the future of the party’s unity and effectiveness hanging in the balance.
