Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Kira Municipality MP and head prefect of the FDC-Katonga faction, has announced the creation of a new political party. Yes, you heard it right—another one!
In an interview with The Observer, Ssemujju, looking every bit like a man who’s just had enough of his cousin Patrick Amuriat’s antics at Najjanankumbi, declared that their nationwide consultations showed overwhelming support for this bold political move.
Scheduled for August 19, the delegates’ conference promises to be as spicy as a Rolex with extra pepper. Ssemujju explained that this meeting marks a significant moment—like when you finally decide to leave that WhatsApp group chat that’s been driving you crazy. Over 80% of those they consulted were all for forming a new party, but they can’t do this while still tied to the FDC, which is like trying to cook Posho outside in heavy rain.
This could be the last time they gather as FDC, making this conference a bit like a farewell party. They’ll review and discuss their own proposals, which is a fancy way of saying they’ll sit around and agree that yes, it’s time to ditch the old gang.
When asked if this looks like a defeat by the Najjanankumbi faction, Ssemujju didn’t mince words. It’s like failing a driving test because the instructor had it out for you. They’ve faced setbacks, especially with the court drama that’s more drawn out than a telenovela. Justice Musa Ssekaana’s bias was just the latest plot twist.
Ssemujju noted that they’ve taken lessons from other political parties, like UPC’s drama with Jimmy Akena still holding power thanks to Museveni’s blessing and despite a court ruling his stay as head of UPC illegal. Their delegates had a choice of options: legal action, joining other parties, or forming a pressure group. After presenting these choices like a menu at a Mukono restaurant, they found that forming a new party was the most popular dish.
Starting a new party isn’t as hard as finding a boda-boda on a rainy day. You need 50 signatures from two-thirds of the districts and then register with the Electoral Commission. The tricky part is turning it into a force, like trying to make people believe that Uganda Cranes will win the World Cup.
Many people are fixated on regime change, supporting whoever looks likely to succeed. This focus often leads to internal conflicts. Our party isn’t starting from scratch but rather getting a makeover—like that time you thought dyeing your hair would change your life.
Achieving regime change is the short-term goal, but improving governance and building democracy is the long game. Like telling your kids to do their homework now so they can play later, Ssemujju insists that competent leadership is crucial. He’s already meeting university students, ensuring the next generation doesn’t mess up as spectacularly.
On being asked what new things they bring, Ssemujju chuckled, saying they’re rebranding rather than reinventing the wheel. It’s like a band changing its name but still playing the same old hits. The new party will recruit from existing ones, just as NUP did, causing the usual ruckus.
He acknowledged that opposition parties have their own problems, and Museveni, like an aging movie star, now prefers buying off rivals to avoid bad press. This strategy has led to credibility issues, with the public wondering who’s genuinely fighting for them and who’s in it for the money.
Political parties must regain public trust by functioning democratically. Many politicians see parties as vehicles to Parliament, leading to a lack of loyalty and a focus on personal gain. To fix this, we need parties that value the country over personal interests, which is easier said than done but not impossible.
Reflecting on past experiences, Ssemujju noted that fear of uncertainty is a common reaction. It’s like when people talk about leaving their jobs for something new but never do. He sympathized with Muntu, who faced similar challenges, proving that in politics, just like in life, nothing ever goes exactly as planned.
