Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr. Col. (rtd) Kizza Besigye, has leveled accusations against the party’s top brass, alleging they’ve capitulated to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
For two decades, Besigye has been at the forefront of efforts to oust the NRM from power.
During his ongoing consultative tour in the Lango region, the ex-presidential candidate voiced his concerns on a local FM radio station in Lira city on Friday, May 3, 2024.
He asserted that while the FDC has grappled with various challenges over the past two decades, the current leadership, led by Patrick Amuriat Oboi, has failed to address them adequately.
Besigye emphasized that the FDC aimed to bring about unprecedented change in Uganda’s history, but internal issues arose when individuals exhausted their resources in the struggle against President Museveni, leading some to join forces with the very party they sought to depose.
Notably, Besigye abstained from campaigning for Amuriat Oboi in the 2021 presidential elections, citing the party leadership’s inclination towards aligning with the ruling party—a stance he adamantly opposed.
As the 2021 general elections approached, Besigye recounted how party leaders approached him, advocating for a strategic alliance with President Museveni, a proposal he vehemently rejected, causing discord within the party ranks already swayed by the leadership’s stance.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the FDC has consistently refuted allegations of collusion with the NRM.
Besigye was joined on the radio program by MP Francis Mwijukye, Harold Kaija, Salaam Musumba, Dr. Okello Ekwaro, and other local FDC leaders from the northern region who align with his faction.
Francis Mwijukye highlighted the internal challenges within the FDC that demand attention, underscoring their breakaway from Najjanankumbi to form the Katonda faction with the aim of unseating President Museveni.
Salaam Musumba explained that their tour of Lango aimed to rekindle the spirit of the FDC’s founding principles among historical supporters and leaders in the region.
Musumba also urged retired UPDF officers in Lango to join Besigye’s cause in removing the current regime.
Bonny Ogongson, the governor representing the people of Lango, praised Besigye for his selfless dedication to the public good.