Besigye’s tours unsettle Amuriat, Nandala, NUP 

Dr Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former president of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), is causing a stir in Ugandan politics.

Previously perceived by many as a diminished figure, Besigye has recently surprised observers as large crowds have gathered to welcome him in various locations he has visited. Starting last month, he embarked on a nationwide tour to consult FDC members about the future of the party, which was once Uganda’s largest opposition group before being overtaken by the National Unity Platform (NUP) in the 2021 election.

This renewed activity has reignited discussions on social media, especially among NUP supporters. This resurgence of interest follows a period of relative quiet after Besigye began publicly collaborating with Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, president of NUP. NUP supporters have particularly focused on Besigye’s recent declaration in Rukungiri, interpreting it as an indication of his potential interest in the 2026 presidential race.

Despite these speculations, Besigye has consistently expressed his skepticism about the effectiveness of elections in ending President Museveni’s nearly four-decade-long rule. His stance reflects a broader debate within Uganda’s opposition about the best strategies for political change and highlights the ongoing dynamics and challenges within the country’s opposition movement.

The tension is palpable not just within the National Unity Platform (NUP) but also within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), as internal conflicts arise. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the president of FDC, has expressed concerns to the media about the need to take legal action against Dr Kizza Besigye and others for allegedly imposing themselves as leaders of the FDC.

The party has experienced significant internal strife, particularly following accusations by Besigye and his supporters that Nathan Nandala- Mafabi, the secretary general of FDC, and Amuriat accepted substantial funds from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for use in the 2021 general elections.

TWO FACTION FDC

Since these allegations, the FDC has been divided into two factions: one led by Amuriat and the other by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Since his election in October of the previous year, Amuriat’s leadership has reportedly lacked notable activity. Attempts at party mobilization by the Amuriat-led faction have been met with limited enthusiasm.

A party official, involved in the FDC Najjanankumbi faction’s mobilization tour, confided to The Observer about the generally low morale among FDC supporters nationwide. This situation within the FDC reflects the challenges facing opposition parties in Uganda as they navigate internal disputes and broader political dynamics.

“Truth be told, this is not the FDC I once knew. If we even manage to secure 10 members of parliament in the next election, it would be a miracle. Amuriat and Nandala are particularly challenging to promote, especially following allegations of accepting money from Museveni,” said an FDC member of parliament aligned with the Amuriat faction, who requested anonymity for candid discussion.

FDC currently holds 30 parliamentary seats. Originally winning 32, the party faced setbacks with Moses Atan’s defeat in Soroti West and the passing of Cecilia Atim Ogwal, whose daughter was recently defeated in a by-election. Another party official, speaking under the condition of anonymity, criticized the management style of Nandala, the party’s secretary, whose position is being withheld to maintain confidentiality. “Nandala’s management of the party is highly inefficient.

Even basic necessities like water for meetings cannot be procured without his permission. Amuriat seems powerless, as nothing progresses without Nandala’s approval. It’s incredibly frustrating,” the official revealed.

Therefore, Besigye’s recent nationwide consultation tours have emerged amid a party grappling with survival, possibly explaining Amuriat’s strong reaction. Amuriat appears to perceive Besigye’s actions as a threat to the stability of the nearly 20-year-old party.

Speaking with The Observer, Harold Kaija, the acting secretary general of the FDC Katonga faction, discussed their current efforts. According to Kaija, their tours are designed to consult FDC members about the party’s future direction. In February, the party convened a National Council meeting where six resolutions were passed in response to the internal fallout.

These resolutions include attempts to reconcile with the Najjanankumbi faction, considering the formation of a new political group, pursuing legal action regarding the election of Amuriat and his colleagues, and potentially joining other political parties. Kaija noted that, with the exception of Kasese, FDC members in regions they have visited are largely in favor of establishing a new political party.

“What we are doing is acting upon the council members’ decision regarding our future course. We have visited sub-regions including Buganda, Busoga, Ankole, Kigezi, and Rwenzori. Except in Kasese, where people expressed a preference for first attempting reconciliation with the Najjanankumbi group or forcefully evicting them from our party headquarters, the consensus elsewhere leans towards forming a new entity,” Kaija said. He suggested that Amuriat’s frustration with their mobilization stems from his faction being a “shell without people.”

He accused Amuriat’s group of misrepresenting themselves to Museveni and leading a party devoid of actual followers.

“There’s still a court case pending to determine the legitimate leadership of the FDC. Unless Amuriat knows the judgment outcome, we remain legitimate FDC members with every right to mobilize for the party,” he added.

Regarding some opposition supporters’ belief that Besigye is aiming to regain his status as a leading opposition figure, Kaija clarified that this is not their primary focus. Their current activities are centered around determining the best path forward for their faction and the FDC at large.

SIMPLY CONSULTING

“We are simply consulting, and if anyone interprets it differently, that’s their issue. Dr Besigye has repeatedly stated his belief that Museveni cannot be ousted through elections,” Kaija stated.

In a conversation with The Observer, Walid Lubega, the deputy publicity secretary at the FDC Najjanankumbi, expressed concerns about Besigye’s current activities.

“We wouldn’t have an issue with Besigye and his associates if they weren’t persuading FDC members to leave the party,” he said.

“Dr Besigye has been a key figure in mobilizing for the party, but now he seems to be doing the opposite. They appear to be forming a new party and are using our party structures to initiate it. When the FDC was established, I don’t recall any consultations with DP and UPC. They are utilizing our structures, logo, emblem, and other materials to campaign against us. It falls upon all party leaders to safeguard the party,” Lubega elaborated. He recognized that while Besigye and his group are still FDC members, their current actions conflict with the goal of fostering a unified FDC.

“The individuals leading this effort are currently our members, and they carry significant influence in our party. Imagine Dr Kizza Besigye inviting a sub-county leader to a meeting; he will undoubtedly be heard due to the respect he commands. Therefore, when we see them engaging with our leaders, it is a cause for concern. If we weren’t worried, it would indicate irresponsibility. As the current leaders of the FDC, we cannot permit anyone to exploit our party structures,” Lubega explained.

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