Consultations have surfaced regarding the formation of a breakaway party from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), led by a group of disillusioned high-ranking party officials. Spearheaded by former FDC party president Dr. Col (Rtd) Kiiza Besigye, the initiative follows concerns over the party’s leadership and direction, particularly in light of an alleged sh7b financial scandal involving party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi and secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi during the 2021 general elections.
The group, which includes prominent figures such as former party chairman Wasswa Birigwa and former Rukingiri Municipality MP Roland Kaginda, has been holding clandestine meetings to explore the feasibility of establishing a new political entity.
Chairing the discussions, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda highlighted various factors motivating the potential breakaway, including dissatisfaction with the party’s electoral performance and internal divisions. FDC has struggled to resonate with voters, prompting concerns about the leadership’s ability to inspire and mobilize support. Factionalism within the party has further exacerbated tensions, prompting calls for a fresh start.
While the consultations are still in their early stages, they underscore the depth of discontent within the FDC. Discussions have centered on engaging with other political formations and individuals aligned with the goal of creating a new party to challenge the dominance of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
Former FDC president Dr. Kiiza Besigye emphasized the importance of combating the influence of money in politics and advocated for revolutionary action to effect meaningful change. He highlighted the need for leaders who prioritize the interests of Ugandans and emphasized the role of non-violent means in achieving liberation.
However, the prospect of a breakaway party has been met with skepticism by some within the FDC. Party spokesperson John Kikonyogo dismissed the initiative, questioning the ability of the purported “Katonga faction” to sustain a new party. Kikonyogo asserted that FDC remained steadfast in its commitment to its founding principles and expressed confidence in the party’s resilience.
This development is not unprecedented within the FDC, as similar rifts emerged in 2019 with the formation of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) under the leadership of Maj (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu. Despite the ANT’s limited impact in the 2021 elections, the emergence of breakaway factions underscores ongoing tensions within the FDC and the broader political landscape in Uganda.
