Amuriat Accuses Besigye and Lukwago of Sabotaging FDC

Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) at Najjanankumbi,has issued a stern warning to the Katonga faction, cautioning them against presenting themselves as party leaders and misleading the public through illegal activities.

During an emergency press conference at Najjanankumbi, Amuriat criticized Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, FDC Founding President Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, and other Katonga leaders, labeling them as “political failures.” He claimed that their membership in the party is invalid, as they have not renewed it within the past four years, according to party records.

“These jokers from Katonga, who haven’t renewed their membership for the last four years, have no legal standing or authority to make any decisions on behalf of the party,” Amuriat asserted.

Amuriat emphasized that the actions of the Katonga faction are not to be taken lightly, as they not only mislead the public but also violate the party’s constitution. He also mocked the group’s announcement to dissolve the party within six months, saying it would reveal them as mere comedians.

In a more heated tone, Amuriat accused Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, the Chairman of the Katonga faction, of collaborating with President Yoweri Museveni. He alleged that they have sufficient evidence to substantiate these claims.

Amuriat further disclosed that one of the key issues causing turmoil within the FDC is Besigye and Lukwago’s demand for a 30% share of all funds received by the party. He claimed that the refusal to grant this request is what sparked the current conflict.

“Besigye and Lukwago have been demanding 30% of all party funds and also want to sell party property to start a new party. When we refused, we were called all sorts of names,” Amuriat revealed.

He also criticized the Katonga faction for creating divisions within the opposition, which he argued only benefits President Museveni and his leadership.

“These internal disputes make President Museveni and his leadership happy because the more we fight, the stronger they become,” Amuriat added.

Amuriat questioned the motives of Lukwago and his team, accusing them of working for Museveni by attempting to dismantle a party that has existed for over 20 years, during which many have died or been imprisoned for its cause.

“You can clearly see who is working for Museveni. Lukwago and his team want to destroy a party that has been around for over 20 years, with many members who have died or been jailed for its survival. Doesn’t this show you who they truly work for?” Amuriat highlighted.

Amuriat assured party members and supporters worldwide that as long as he remains the party president, the FDC will remain intact. He vowed to do everything in his power to protect the party and uphold its slogan “One Uganda, One People,” in honor of those who have died in the struggle, including Besigye’s younger brother, Saazi.

He dismissed the threats from the Katonga faction as empty, asserting that Lukwago would not succeed in his so-called “comedy” moves.

Regarding the legality of the delegates’ conference held on August 19, 2024, and the ruling of the Buganda Court, Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi, the Whip in Parliament for Najjanankumbi and MP for Mawokota County South, stated that the issues had already been resolved by Justices Musa Ssekana and Esther Nambayo. He further took a jab at Lukwago, implying that nothing could be achieved by the Katonga faction, given his knowledge of Lukwago’s performance in law school.

“In reference to the purported delegates’ conference and the leadership positions claimed by my friends from Katonga, they should know that Justices Ssekana and Nambayo have already settled the matter. And as much as I know Lukwago well from teaching him, I won’t disclose his grades,” Nsibambi remarked.

Amuriat also accused the Katonga faction of being envious of their successful countrywide political rallies, which he claimed have drawn large crowds.

“They never expected us to pull such crowds, and our last six successful political rallies have made them jealous because they left the good mobilizers at headquarters,” Amuriat boasted.