Tensions within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party have intensified as President Patrick Amuriat seeks disciplinary action against seven party leaders, including spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda.
Among the leaders facing disciplinary action are Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lubwago (acting deputy president), Kennedy Obello (acting deputy secretary for presidency), Dr. George Obeli Ekwaro (acting deputy secretary for mobilization), Samuel Mabhoba W’Mugenyi (deputy for international & regional affairs), Mubarak Munyagwa (secretary for mobilization), and Amon Ayesiga Rubarema (secretary for works and transport).
This move follows Yusufu Nisibambi, being declared as the new speaker of the FDC party replacing Ssemujju and his dramatic removal as the party’s chief whip in Parliament.
In a letter dated August 8, 2023, addressed to Dokolo District LCV Chairman James Otto, Amuriat cited Article 28(3)(b)(iii) of the party’s constitution to call for the establishment of a disciplinary committee. Amuriat alleges that these leaders have exhibited hostility towards the party.
Amuriat defended Ssemujju’s removal from the chief whip position saying he has failed to work harmoniously with other elected party leaders.
He accused Ssemujju of not providing parliamentary reports during his tenure as chief whip of the opposition, emphasizing that his representation of the party was subpar.
Amuriat has plans to appoint acting leaders to fill the vacancies created by these removals, a decision permitted by the party’s constitution.
Ssemujju’s faction has accused Amuriat and Nandala Mafabi, the party’s Secretary-General, of accepting illicit funds worth billions of shillings from the state house, resulting in strained relations within the FDC. This rift has led to accusations and counter-accusations between the two factions.
Ssemujju, however, stood his ground, arguing that only the FDC Party’s National Executive Committee has the authority to remove him from his position.