Amuriat Dismisses FDC Katonga Faction as Comedians

Forum for Democratic Change President Patrick Oboi Amuriat has described the Katonga Road faction of the party as comedians.

Amuriat made the description while addressing the press at FDC’s Najjanankumbi offices on Wednesday afternoon. Amuriat’s address was in response to the Katonga faction’s decision to dissolve the FDC and form another political organization.Since 2023, the Amuriat-led administration has been under immense pressure following a major rift in the party.

The rift, reportedly caused by accusations of state funds in the party, has seen a number of high-profile leaders seek shelter at former party president Kizza Besigye’s Katonga Road office. This faction includes MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, among others.

Following nationwide consultations, the faction announced plans to dissolve the party and form another. However, the leadership in Najjanankumbi has described this decision and meeting as illegitimate.

“The Forum for Democratic Change party is a duly registered party with the Electoral Commission of Uganda. As by law required, and returns of office bearers are duly filed with the Electoral Commission. Of which none of the so-called ‘officers’ of the party (Katonga faction) is an office bearer as they claim to be.” FDC Secretary General Nandala Mafabi said on Tuesday.

Amuriat Dismisses Katonga Faction

Additionally, on Wednesday afternoon, Amuriat re-echoed Nandala’s stance. He questioned the credibility of the legal brains at Katonga, including Erias Lukwago. POA, as he is fondly referred to, also conceded that the differences could be at an irreconcilable stage.

However, Amuriat gave them the green light to form another political organization, as that doesn’t contravene the FDC constitution. Beaming with confidence, the former legislator boasted that the party would not be affected by the Katonga exodus. He cited previous defections from FDC that didn’t affect its grassroots support.

“This is not the first breakaway from FDC. In 2010, Betti Kamya left to form the Uganda Federal Alliance, a party that she also later left. This didn’t affect us in the 2011 elections. Similarly, in 2018, my friend Major General Mugisha Muntu left and didn’t affect us in the 2021 elections. Nothing will stop us if they choose to leave. We are not short of leaders and members.” FDC President Patrick Oboi said.