The Chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Waswa Birigwa, has declared his own party as “dead” amidst ongoing divisions and internal conflicts. The FDC, one of Uganda’s leading opposition parties, has split into two factions, with each vying for control and support.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station, Birigwa, a member of the faction based in Katonga, warned potential new party members to reconsider joining the FDC, as it is on the brink of extinction.
He blamed the Najjanankumbi faction for prioritizing personal financial gains over addressing national challenges within the party. Birigwa predicts that the FDC, despite currently having 32 Members of Parliament (MPs) in the 11th Parliament, will have less than 10 MPs in the subsequent term due to its weakening influence.
The division within the FDC became evident in August 2023, when the party fragmented into two factions. One group, based in Najjanankumbi, is led by party president Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi. The rival faction is spearheaded by Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the party spokesperson, and Erias Lukwago, deputy party president (central), with the backing of party founder Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Further internal conflicts within the FDC have led several members to abandon the party in an effort to salvage their political careers. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the former spokesperson, recently announced his intention to leave the party once it is legally permissible.
The FDC’s disintegration reflects a larger trend within Uganda’s opposition political parties, disappointing supporters who hoped for a unified front in their pursuit of regime change. Political analysts suggest that these divisions are primarily driven by individual economic motives, contributing to conflicts within the parties.
As the FDC grapples with internal turmoil, its future role in Ugandan politics remains uncertain, leaving a void in the opposition landscape and raising concerns among citizens who seek a strong and united opposition movement.