Re-elected Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, has expressed disappointment over key FDC leaders abandoning Najjanankumbi, missing crucial party events.
Only 3 of 32 FDC legislators attended the National Council session, raising concerns of affiliation with Besigye’s Katonga faction.
The only legislators who made it the event which was convened by the party president Amuriat were Geofrey Ekanya, Nathan Nandala Mafabi and Yusuf Nsibambi who are also top bosses in the party Treasurer General, Secretary General, Bugnda region Vice president and FDC whip in parliament.
The very vibrant group of legislators with the Aga Isabirye, Timothy Batuwa, Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda, Francis Mwijukye, Anna Ebaju Adeke, Alobo Joan, Namanya Naboth, Busingye Joab, former Leader of Opposition Betty Aol Ochan among others were all a no show at Amuriat’s event. This raises concerns whether majority of these are now affiliated to Besigye’s Katonga faction.
Internal divisions persist amid leaked accusations of financial support from Museveni during the 2021 campaign. The split deepened as Katonga ousted Amuriat, Nandala, and others, leading to uncertainty about FDC’s future, with speculations of forming a new party or coalition with Bobi Wine’s NUP. The 2026 elections pose further challenges, with FDC struggling to regain unity and vibrancy.
Najjanankumbi’s organized delegates conference, chaired by Boniface Toterebuka Bamwenda, reaffirms Nandala Mafabi and Patrick Oboi Amuriat as Secretary General and party president.
Despite this, FDC faces turmoil leading up to the 2026 elections, with Museveni hinting at an extended presidency. Both factions show reluctance to reconcile, fueling speculation of Katonga forming a new party or aligning with Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) .
Concerns arise as many legislators, especially newer ones, hesitate to associate with Najjanankumbi, fearing re-election risks due to perceived hypocrisy in abandoning the struggle against the junta. The pivotal question remains whether FDC can regain its former vibrancy amidst the majority of legislators distancing from Amuriat’s group.
