In a recent meeting known as the ‘Trans-Karuma Convention 2023,’ leaders from various regions in northern Uganda declared their support for Mr. Patrick Amuriat Oboi’s bid for re-election as the president of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. The decision was made in preparation for the upcoming National Delegates Conference scheduled for Thursday.
During the endorsement, the northern leaders expressed their belief that Mr. Moses Byamugisha, who is vying for the same position, lacks the necessary capacity and vision required to lead the party towards its goals. The meeting took place at Resto Court Hotel in Kamdini Town Council, Oyam District, last Friday, and it saw the participation of FDC leaders from Acholi, West Nile, and Lango sub-regions. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Kaps Hassan Fungaroo, the former Member of Parliament for Obongi.
The resolution in support of Amuriat’s re-election was read by Joel Okao Tema, the FDC chairperson for Lira District, in the presence of Mr. Amuriat himself, who was actively seeking support from the delegates.
The resolution included a commitment to support candidates from northern Uganda for various national positions within the party and called for a fair distribution of funding to party candidates and activities based on their competence and the level of competition they face in their respective areas.
Additionally, the northern leaders resolved to work towards reconciliation within the party, which has experienced internal divisions leading to the emergence of two factions—one led by party chairperson Wasswa Birigwa at Katonga and the other by Amuriat and party secretary-general Nandala Mafabi at Najjanankumbi. The leaders also expressed their intention to take disciplinary action against members who undermine the legitimate activities of the party.
Mr. Amuriat encouraged the delegates to assess both him and his opponent, emphasizing the importance of consistency in their evaluation. He pointed out that his opponent did not participate in the FDC grassroots elections, as he aligned himself with other factions within the party.
Mr. Fungaroo, the incoming deputy president-elect of the Najjanankumbi faction, mentioned that the northern region has presented candidates for national positions, urging members from other regions to consider them. These candidates include James Otto Apili, Dokolo District chairman, who is running for the position of deputy secretary-general in charge of administration, and Ms. Franca Judith Akello, former Woman MP for Agago District, who is vying for the position of treasurer general within the FDC.
