Leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Buganda are proposing amendments to the party constitution to tighten access to membership and leadership positions, citing concerns that some individuals join the party for personal ambitions and turn against it after losing elections.
The call comes from Nakawa FDC Chairperson Okwera Moses Mugisha and Buganda Region FDC Secretary Juma Akankwasa, who say the changes aim to protect the party from opportunistic members using FDC as a stepping stone for personal gain.
They are also urging the party’s National Chairperson, Jack Sabiiti, to urgently present to the National Executive Committee (NEC) a list of potential replacements for Yusuf Nsibambi as FDC Chairperson for Buganda.
This follows accusations that Nsibambi undermined the party after recently meeting President Museveni, allegedly acting without the party’s mandate.
Mugisha said the trend of members turning against FDC after electoral defeat has become a serious concern that requires constitutional safeguards.
“We have seen people rush to acquire party cards, use FDC as a platform for their personal interests, and when they fail in elections, they begin to fight and discredit the same party. We want amendments that will stop this behavior and protect the integrity of FDC,” he said.
The leaders contend that Nsibambi’s actions were motivated by personal interests following his electoral loss.
They are also proposing the formation of a special committee to counsel members who lose elections and struggle to accept outcomes.
Akankwasa emphasized the need for urgent action, even before the disciplinary committee completes its review.
“We are asking the party chairman to urgently table before NEC the names of those who contested against Nsibambi so that a suitable replacement can be identified immediately, because the party in Buganda cannot remain in this situation,” he said.
The calls come amid public criticism of Nsibambi after photos circulated showing him meeting with President Museveni alongside other politicians, with some FDC members accusing him of taking conflicting positions.