Fungaroo Kaps Hassan, the current Deputy President of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in charge of Northern Uganda and a former Member of Parliament representing Obongi Constituency in West Nile from 2006 to 2021, made a surprising declaration on Aulogo FM 103.8 on 11th July during a mobilisation talk show for the FDC’s e-registration of members in Obongi District.
Fungaroo stated that if the FDC takes over power from the National Resistance Movement (NRM), he has high chances of being appointed the Vice President, a claim that raises eyebrows. While ambition is commendable, Fungaroo’s assertion seems misguided.
Notably, during Fungaroo’s 15-year tenure as MP, President Yoweri Museveni’s NRM won overwhelmingly in Obongi Constituency in every election cycle from 2006 to 2021. This raises questions about Fungaroo’s effectiveness in mobilising support for the opposition in his own constituency, let alone his chances of becoming Vice President.
In fact, Fungaroo’s tenure as FDC Secretary for Mobilisation was marked by failure, as he was unable to mobilise significant support for his party in the North and West Nile regions, his home turf. Despite his efforts, Museveni’s NRM continued to dominate elections in these areas, casting doubt on Fungaroo’s ability to drive political change.
Furthermore, FDC boasts a plethora of talented politicians whose capabilities far surpass Fungaroo’s, making his claim even more tenuous. The Katonga faction, in particular, has experienced leaders like Patrick Amuriat Oboi, the current party president of FDC; Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the party secretary-general and a presidential hopeful for the 2026 general elections; and Geoffrey Ekanya, the Tororo County North MP. These individuals possess a level of competence and political acumen that Fungaroo cannot match.
Fungaroo’s inability to make a significant impact in his own backyard raises concerns about his effectiveness as a leader. His failure to challenge Museveni’s dominance in West Nile undercuts his credibility as a potential vice president.
Compounding FDC’s woes, the party has lost its status as the leading opposition party to the National Unity Platform (NUP) headed by Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine. This shift in opposition dynamics has further weakened FDC, making Fungaroo’s ambitions seem even more far-fetched.
To make matters worse, Fungaroo’s affiliation with the Najjanankumbi faction has sparked accusations from the rival Katonga faction, who claim that Najjanankumbi has been bribed or received “dirty money” from the government or NRM. This internal strife limits the faction’s support and credibility, further diminishing Fungaroo’s chances of success.
Fungaroo’s plan to contest against Hon. Dr. Bhoka Didi George as an MP for Obongi constituency seems like a quixotic endeavor. George’s proven track record and popularity in the constituency make him a formidable opponent, and Fungaroo’s previous loss to him raises questions about his ability to garner sufficient support.
Considering these factors, Fungaroo’s statement comes across as overly optimistic, if not laughable. His lack of influence, the party’s internal divisions, and his inability to make a mark in his own region all contribute to a scenario where his ambition seems unlikely to materialise.
However, Fungaroo’s actions suggest a different motive. He has consistently maintained a high profile through defiant and law-flouting behaviour, seemingly calculated to provoke authorities into blaming, stopping, or arresting him.
This tactic appears designed to garner sympathy and attention rather than genuinely contributing to the political discourse. By embracing this confrontational approach, Fungaroo may be attempting to create a narrative of persecution, positioning himself as a martyr or victim of the system.
However, this strategy undermines his credibility as a serious politician and raises concerns about his willingness to work within the democratic framework. FDC, already facing internal divisions and an uphill battle against the NRM’s entrenched power, may not benefit from Fungaroo’s antics. His actions may be seen as self-serving, distracting from the party’s core message and goals.
As the political landscape unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Fungaroo’s approach will yield the desired results or ultimately harm his own prospects and those of his party. One thing is certain, however: Fungaroo’s quixotic dreams are a recipe for political suicide.
