The leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), based in Katonga, have proposed the formation of a new political wing to erase the propaganda of factions in the party that has left some grassroots supporters in a state of confusion.

Erias Lukwago, the interim president for the FDC Katonga faction, made remarks during the 17th National Council Meeting (NEC) under the theme Focus, Organize, Act, held at FDC Katonga offices in Kampala on Wednesday, February 21, 2024.

Lukwago said since the vision, heart, and soul of members of the party reside in Katonga, a new brand and move towards building a new Uganda with a new institution should be considered.

“In a given protracted struggle, only humans can get fatigued. A section of members has mooted a rather novel proposal that since the vision, heart, and soul of members of the FDC reside in Katonga, the bona fide members who are still committed to fighting against the junta should consider getting a new brand and move on with the vision of building a new Uganda with new institutions. This would essentially entail having a new political formation,” Lukwago said.

While speaking to NEC members, including party leaders at the district level and some members of parliament, Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda, the spokesperson at Katonga, said that his main purpose is never to rescue FDC from what he called imposters in Najjanankumbi but to liberate Uganda from the hands of President Museveni.

“I am here to say that forget me if you think that our struggle is against those at Najjanankumbi. I took this political career to liberate Uganda from Museveni, who is enjoying taxpayers’ money in this shrinking economy,” Ssemuju said.

However, the founding father of the FDC party, Rtd.Col.Dr. Kizza Besigye, said that before the party leadership advances to other approaches to regaining power, they should organize thoroughly to have a clear direction for the people at the bottom of the pyramid.

He explained that he is aware that people have different perspectives on the Uganda they want, stating that it is incumbent on the leaders to paint a clear picture of Uganda before any advancements.

“I support Ssemujju’s idea of not only focusing on restoring Najjanankumbi but also liberating the country at large. Political parties can only help us participate in elections, yet our major target is not participation in elections but to liberate the country from the junta,”  Besigye said.

However, Lukwago said that they should not rush into decision-making because FDC is a family, including those in the diaspora, adding that building a consensus is a huge task that may take some time.

The Katonga faction was set to have the Delegates Conference on March 19, 2024, but it was resolved in the meeting that it should be postponed for two months.