Salaamu Musumba, the former vice-chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has urged Patrick Amuriat to abandon theatrics and confrontations against the FDC-Katonga faction.
Amuriat currently leads the FDC party based at Najjanankumbi in Kampala. However, with numerous party members loyal to Dr. Kizza Besigye defecting to the Katonga faction after a bitter fallout, Amuriat finds himself frustrated as the new faction engages in national consultative meetings.
The FDC Katonga faction aims to gather input from supporters regarding the formation of a new political organization. Yet, Amuriat recently accused his mentor and former leader, Besigye, of misusing FDC symbols and threatened legal action against him and his allies.
Established on December 16, 2004, FDC emerged from the Reform Agenda, a pressure group that united dissatisfied members of the National Resistance Army liberation struggle and the subsequent Movement system of government. Despite being an MP, Amuriat was not closely involved in the party’s top leadership when FDC was founded.
Amuriat’s journey includes serving as an interpreter for Dr. Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere in the 1996 presidential election in Teso after an unsuccessful bid in the 1994 Constituent Assembly elections. Subsequently, he won the Kumi MP seat in 2001 and joined the Parliamentary Advocacy Forum (PAFO), chaired by Augustine Ruzindana. In 2017, Amuriat assumed the FDC presidency following a leadership battle with Gen Mugisha Muntu, whose diplomatic approach had caused unease within the party.
However, a bitter fallout led to tensions between Amuriat and Besigye, with Amuriat determined to prevent Besigye from using FDC symbols or gestures. Amuriat has warned the “Katonga masqueraders” of impending legal action and cautioned FDC supporters against aligning with Besigye’s faction.
Salaamu Musumba has called for a different approach, urging Amuriat to allow the FDC-Katonga faction to conduct consultations with Ugandans without resorting to threats. Musumba emphasized that the faction is in the process of establishing its own party, complete with symbols, colors, anthems, slogans, and flags, in accordance with legal requirements.
Musumba expressed disappointment in Amuriat’s handling of the situation and called for respect towards Ugandans seeking change. She appealed to Amuriat to prioritize unity and cooperation for the betterment of the party and the country.
