The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction has marked 20 years since its founding, reflecting on its journey of political struggle and honoring the sacrifices of its members.
Speaking during a press briefing, the FDC Vice President of the Katonga group, Proscovia Salamu Musumba, described the two-decade journey as one filled with resilience, challenges, and the unwavering commitment to justice and democracy in Uganda.
Musumba paid tribute to colleagues who lost their lives in the struggle, recognizing their sacrifices as pivotal to the party’s achievements and influence over the years.
She also extended condolences to the family of Professor Frank Nabwiso, one of the party’s early members, who passed away on Saturday. Nabwiso was remembered for his contributions to the party’s mission and vision.
“This milestone is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of so many who have walked this journey with us, including those who are no longer with us. We honor their legacy and will continue the fight they believed in,” Musumba said.
However, the celebration comes at a time of grief for the party, as one of its founding members, Dr. Kizza Besigye, remains incarcerated in Luzira Prison.
Musumba expressed deep sorrow that the party’s 20th anniversary coincides with Besigye’s imprisonment, which she described as unjust and symbolic of the continued challenges faced by opposition figures in Uganda.
“It is disheartening that as we mark 20 years of struggle, one of our founding leaders, Dr. Kizza Besigye, will spend the festive season behind bars. His detention is a stark reminder of the repression that inspired the formation of this party in the first place,” Musumba lamented.
To protest Besigye’s imprisonment, the FDC Katonga faction announced plans to attend Christmas church services with chains on their hands, a symbolic act of solidarity and dissatisfaction with the government’s treatment of opposition leaders.
“We will attend Christmas services with chains on our hands to express our grief and dissatisfaction over Dr. Besigye’s arrest. This is not just about him; it is about the broader struggle for democracy, justice, and the freedoms that every Ugandan deserves,” Musumba declared.
As the FDC Katonga group reflects on its 20-year journey, the message remains clear: the struggle for a democratic Uganda continues. Musumba reaffirmed the party’s commitment to pushing
At the same press conference women activists and human rights defenders from various opposition parties have expressed dissatisfaction with the Uganda Law Council’s decision to deny Martha Karua a practicing certificate. Karua, a renowned Kenyan lawyer and former minister, was selected by Dr. Kizza Besigye to be his lead counsel, but her application for a practicing certificate was rejected, sparking outrage among activists.
In a statement delivered by Proscovia Kunihira, an advocate and human rights defender, the activists criticized the Uganda Law Council’s decision, arguing that it was not based on the legal requirements for obtaining a practicing certificate.
“The denial of a practicing certificate to Martha Karua by the Uganda Law Council is not grounded on the requirements outlined under the law. This decision raises serious concerns about fairness and transparency in the application process,” Kunihira stated.
The activists emphasized that Karua’s legal expertise and reputation as a defender of justice made her an ideal candidate to represent Besigye in his legal battles. They accused the Law Council of acting with bias and called for an immediate review of the decision.
“This action appears to be politically motivated and aimed at undermining the legal rights of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his defense team. It sets a dangerous precedent for the independence and impartiality of the legal profession in Uganda,” Kunihira added.
The women activists further noted that the denial of Karua’s practicing certificate undermines regional cooperation in legal practice and denies Ugandans access to qualified representation from renowned professionals within the East African Community.
They urged the Uganda Law Council to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and professionalism by granting Martha Karua the necessary certification to serve as Besigye’s lead counsel.
The activists vowed to continue advocating for justice and transparency in Uganda’s legal systems, highlighting the critical role of women and human rights defenders in ensuring fairness.
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