Kizza Besigye & Team To Form A New Political Party
Leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction within Kampala metropolitan have unanimously embraced the creation of a novel political party, viewing it as the path forward to unite disenchanted members who parted ways with Najjanankumbi due to disagreements with party president Patrick Amuriat and secretary general Nandala Mafabi.
This pivotal decision emerged during a consultative meeting convened at Kireka in Kira Municipality, orchestrated by Kira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda. The gathering, attended by prominent figures such as acting party president Elias Lukwago, national chairperson ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa, and secretary general Harold Kaijja, aimed to solicit input from party leaders in Kampala and the metropolitan area regarding their next steps post-separation from Najjanankumbi.
Five national council resolutions, including returning to Najjanankumbi, awaiting court decisions, joining another political party, forming a pressure group, or establishing a new political party, were presented to members. The consensus among leaders was to forge ahead with the creation of a fresh political entity, emphasizing the unity of their interests.
Ssemujju, the Kira Municipality legislator and former FDC spokesperson, reiterated their primary objective of ousting President Museveni from power, regardless of the presence of a political party. The move garnered support from some Democratic Party members who had been seeking affiliation following their party’s agreement with Museveni.
“From when [Norbert] Mao sold our party to NRM, we have been looking out for people to form a party that can bring us together,” expressed Frank Mukuye, the speaker of Kira Municipal Council. This initiative marks the beginning of numerous nationwide meetings aimed at gathering ideas on how to proceed post-fallout with the Najjanankumbi leadership. The consultation period is slated to extend for two months, culminating in a national executive committee meeting to finalize their future course of action.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is a political party in Uganda that emerged in the early 2000s as a response to the political landscape under President Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime. The party was officially launched on June 16, 2004, with Kizza Besigye as its founding leader. Besigye, a former ally of Museveni, had become a vocal critic of the government and sought to challenge what he perceived as increasing authoritarianism and lack of democratic practices.
The roots of the FDC can be traced back to the broader historical context of Uganda’s political evolution. The country experienced decades of political instability, including the rule of Idi Amin in the 1970s and the subsequent civil wars. Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986 after a guerrilla war and established the NRM government. While initially praised for stabilizing the country and implementing economic reforms, Museveni’s regime faced criticism for alleged human rights abuses, corruption, and a lack of political pluralism.
Kizza Besigye, a key figure in the establishment of the FDC, had served as Museveni’s personal physician and played a significant role in the NRM’s early years. However, he later fell out with Museveni over issues of governance, democracy, and political freedoms. Besigye’s decision to challenge Museveni in the 2001 presidential election marked a turning point, leading to his subsequent arrest and the formation of the FDC.
The FDC positioned itself as a champion of democratic principles, human rights, and good governance. It aimed to provide a credible alternative to the ruling NRM, advocating for political pluralism, free and fair elections, and the protection of fundamental rights. Besigye, despite facing legal and political challenges, became the face of opposition in Uganda and contested the presidency in subsequent elections.
The 2006 and 2011 elections saw Besigye running as the FDC’s presidential candidate, and though facing allegations of irregularities and voter intimidation, the elections did not result in a change of power. The FDC continued to grow as a political force, gaining support from various segments of the population disillusioned with the NRM’s rule.
The 2016 elections marked another significant chapter in the FDC’s history, with Besigye contesting against Museveni once more. The election results were contested by the FDC and international observers, citing irregularities and a lack of transparency. The FDC maintained its commitment to peaceful resistance and advocated for electoral reforms.
Over the years, the FDC has faced internal challenges, including leadership disputes and strategic debates. Despite these challenges, the party has remained a prominent player in Ugandan politics, contributing to the discourse on democracy, governance, and human rights. The FDC’s role in Uganda’s political landscape is a testament to the complex dynamics of opposition politics in the country, where balancing the quest for democratic change with the realities of a dominant ruling party presents ongoing challenges.
In summary, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Uganda emerged as a response to perceived deficiencies in governance and democracy under President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement. Led by Kizza Besigye, the FDC has played a crucial role in advocating for political pluralism, human rights, and free and fair elections, despite facing numerous challenges along the way.