At Najja, Amuriat gets all the flowers but the frowns linger

Mr Amuriat’s leadership style has drawn both praise and criticism from within the FDC. Jack Sabiti, a senior party leader, described him as a leader who "is not self-centered" and always consults his team before making decisions.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leadership faces growing controversy as Patrick Oboi Amuriat begins his second term as party president.

Amuriat, who was re-elected in a contested delegates’ conference in October 2023, now finds himself at the centre of a debate over his role and influence within the party he leads.

Mr Amuriat’s leadership style has drawn both praise and criticism from within the FDC. Jack Sabiti, a senior party leader, described him as a leader who "is not self-centered" and always consults his team before making decisions.

"He never takes decisions alone," Sabiti emphasised, underscoring Amuriat's collaborative approach.

Former FDC member Mubarak Munyagwa also praised Amuriat, calling him "a good and trusted man."

However, Munyagwa added a twist to his endorsement by asserting that Amuriat is "not in charge of FDC but more of a ceremonial president."

He elaborated: “He is honest, but I told him he had been put under siege, but he feared to declare that the mafias had overruled him."

Munyagwa’s remarks echo a sentiment shared by other party members, who claim that external forces have compromised Amuriat’s leadership.

"Amuriat is not in charge; he accepted mafias to take over," Munyagwa said, pointing to a lack of confidence in the party’s current direction.

However, others within the FDC dismiss these allegations as baseless.

Mr Geoffrey Ekanya, another party leader, labeled the claim that Amuriat is not in charge as "a creation."

He insists that such accusations are attempts to undermine the party's stability.

Internal discontent and leadership challenges

The discord within the FDC is further highlighted by comments from the Deputy President for the Western Region, Byamugisha, who noted that many members are skeptical of the leadership's ability to guide the party effectively.

“People keep asking us, 'Who voted for you?' They don’t trust that we have what it takes,” Byamugisha revealed, reflecting the growing mistrust within the party's ranks.

Mr Jack Sabiti reiterated that the FDC remains under the control of its structures rather than individual leaders.

"We don’t have leaders who dominate; it’s the party structure," he stated, dismissing suggestions that Secretary-General Nathan Nandala is manipulating the party from behind the scenes.

Mr Sabiti emphasized that those spreading these rumors are mere "saboteurs," reinforcing the notion that Amuriat is indeed the executive president.

Yet, some members are unconvinced that Amuriat is effectively leading the party towards its founding goal of democratic change.

Mr Francis Mwijukye,the MP for Buhweju County in Masindi District, criticised the party’s financial management, questioning how the leadership prioritises spending.

"It beats my understanding to say you are in charge and you can afford rallies but not pay rent for offices," Mwijukye saod.

Further criticism came from Mwijukye, who accused the leadership of deviating from the party's core mission.

“We chose to let Nandala and Amuriat be because they have since changed from the initial goal of democratic change to working with the dictator,” he argued, suggesting that the party has lost its way under the current leadership.

Munyagwa supported this view, asserting, "That is now a haven of the dictator. Amuriat was not bad, but he accepted to be used."

Despite the internal divisions and public criticisms, Patrick Amuriat remains optimistic about the future of the FDC under his leadership.

"Going forward, we shall not tolerate people that work with the dictator. We want to be more focused on delivering change that is democratic to Uganda," Amuriat declared.

As debates within the FDC continue to simmer, questions persist about the future direction of the party and whether its leadership can overcome internal rifts to present a united front in Uganda’s political landscape.