Additional reporting by David Ijjo
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda's blue-coloured political party, has initiated a crucial four-day nomination exercise for party members aspiring to secure positions within the party's National Executive Committee (NEC), the influential decision-making body.
This significant event unfolds against the backdrop of internal divisions within the party, with one faction led by Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat and FDC Secretary-General Nandala Mafaabi, while another wing is steered by the party's National Chairman Wasswa Biriggwa and his allies.
Abdulhakim Molli, the FDC Electoral Commission Commissioner, announced the commencement of the nomination exercise today from Najjankumbi.
"Our party members seeking positions on the National Executive Committee can now begin their nomination process," stated Abdulhakim Molli, the Commissioner of the FDC Electoral Commission.
This nomination exercise precedes the contentious Party's delegates' conference, initially called by the party National Chairman, Wasswa Birigwa.
John Kikonyogo, the Deputy Spokesperson of FDC, issued a warning to Wasswa Birigwa, cautioning him to temper his approach as his actions might lead to his own undoing, especially if backed by ill-intentioned members.
"It is essential for the party's national chairman to consider canceling the purported delegates' conference, as it will be challenging to discern genuine party delegates," emphasized John Kikonyogo.
FDC has accused its National Chairman of failing to maintain impartiality, which directly contravenes the party's constitution.
This recent development unfolds amidst FDC's continued reliance on legal avenues to resolve internal disputes, a path that other parties with similar internal bickering caution could lead to prolonged and unresolved conflicts.
Sam Muyizi, a member of the Democratic Party (DP), warned that FDC's reliance on court intervention might exacerbate their internal divisions without achieving a lasting solution.
As per the initial plan, the FDC National Chairman was meant to organize a substantive delegates' conference scheduled for Tuesday this week. However, the internal strife within the party casts uncertainty over the realization of this event.
