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The Besigye faction is considering which allows for the dissolution of the party
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Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has revealed that the ongoing split within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) could lead to a significant political transformation for the faction led by Dr. Kizza Besigye. According to Lukwago, the next six months will be crucial as the group considers two options: forming a new political party or merging with an existing one. However, political experts caution that dismantling the FDC, which has been a key player in Uganda's opposition for years, will be no easy feat. Lukwago himself acknowledged that the Electoral Commission (EC) could pose a major obstacle in their efforts to dissolve the party.
“We are determined to bury FDC, but I recognize the Electoral Commission will be a significant roadblock. Regardless, we will either start something new or collaborate with an existing, friendly party,” said Lukwago.
The FDC split deepened earlier this week after the Katonga faction, led by party chairman Wasswa Birigwa, held a special conference and resolved to dissolve the party. This decision has sparked intense debate, particularly between the Besigye faction and the official FDC leadership under party president Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and secretary-general Nandala Mafabi.
The Besigye faction cited Article 36 of the FDC constitution, which allows for the dissolution of the party by a national delegates conference or a special conference with a two-thirds majority. In contrast, the official FDC faction contends that only the legitimate office bearers have the authority to dissolve the party. Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi, a lawyer, emphasized that the Besigye group lacks the legal standing to convene such a conference.
Abdalla Kiwanuka
Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, pointing out that under the Political Parties and Organisations Act, it is the Electoral Commission that must apply to the High Court for an order to wind up a political party. Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka highlighted that only registered members of the party can pursue such actions. Adding to the complexity, former Kasese Municipality MP Robert Centenary argued that the Katonga group members’ party membership had expired, rendering them powerless to dissolve FDC.
Meanwhile, negotiations have reportedly begun between the FDC Katonga faction and former Rubaga South MP John Ken Lukyamuzi, with discussions focusing on Besigye potentially taking over leadership of the Conservative Party (CP). Lukyamuzi confirmed that a proposal has been made, though he emphasized that the CP's core objectives, such as advocating for a federal system of governance and protecting traditional institutions, would remain unchanged.
There are also speculations that the Besigye group may consider aligning with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and supporting Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) in the 2026 presidential elections.
In a surprising development, FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat expressed regret over past remarks made against the leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu. "I want to take this opportunity to apologize to Gen. Muntu for our previous remarks. I am sorry for calling you a mole, and I regret my actions," Amuriat said.
As the political landscape in Uganda continues to evolve, the future of Besigye's FDC faction remains uncertain, with multiple paths ahead but no clear resolution in sight.
Torch Media Africa
