FDC is Demanding Respect Amidst Internal Strife in the Party
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), based in Najjanankumbi, has expressed concern over the actions taken by its Katonga faction, suggesting it may take legal action due to what it perceives as harmful behavior tarnishing the party’s reputation.
The Katonga Road based faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) initiated a consultative process on March 11, 2024, potentially leading to the formation of a new political entity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
This process, scheduled to conclude in two months, aims to determine whether the group should establish a distinct political party or remain within the FDC under a new pressure group.
However, FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo, speaking on Monday, April 8, 2024, criticized the Katonga faction for allegedly using their gatherings to speak negatively about the leadership based in Najjanankumbi and the FDC party as a whole.
Kikonyogo emphasized that the FDC’s primary goal is to challenge the current government, not to engage in disputes with fellow opposition parties. He asserted that the FDC will not stand idly by while its reputation is besmirched.
He further stated that while the Katonga Road based faction is entitled to pursue the formation of a new party, it should refrain from damaging the reputation of those who have supported them.
The FDC experienced internal strife until October 6, 2023, when national executive committee elections were held during a national delegates’ conference. Prior to this, conflicts among top leaders led to the emergence of a faction centered around Katonga Road in Kampala, led by former party leader Kiiza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Notably, Katonga Road houses Besigye’s private offices.
Kikonyogo also expressed condolences for the recent passing of Sarah Eperu, the former deputy secretary for publicity within the FDC party, who died over the weekend.
Eperu passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Life Link Hospital in Kampala, where she had been admitted for medical treatment due to kidney complications.
During the unveiling of the Opposition’s alternative budget totaling 43 trillion shillings, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi urged Members of Parliament to observe a moment of silence to commemorate Eperu and recognize her contributions to the political struggle.
National Unity Platform party president Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, echoed these sentiments, expressing his condolences to Eperu’s family and the wider Opposition community.
