Amuriat blasts Katonga faction over move to create new party

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, has dismissed recent actions taken by the Katonga faction as  being illegal" asserting that any resolutions made by this group are null and void.

The faction, led by Erias Lukwago and operating from the Katonga offices, has been engaged in a leadership dispute with the main FDC leadership headquartered at Najjanankumbi.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Amuriat criticized the faction's recent National Delegates Conference (NDC), describing it as a "fallacy."

He emphasized that the NDC, Chaired by Wasswa Birigwa on September 19, 2023 was legally invalid.

He pointed to a ruling by Justice Esther Nambayo, who on September 17, 2023, issued an order to halt the conference, effectively nullifying any resolutions passed.

Amuriat did not hold back in his criticism of Birigwa, accusing him of being confused and labeling him a "climber of walls," referencing Birigwa's history of political maneuvering.

He also addressed the dismissal of a petition by the faction's representative Erias Lukwago before Judge Musa Sekaana seeking to halt FDC's October 6th National Delegate s Conference.

"We have duly certified our leadership with the Electoral Commission (EC), and this ruling has not been challenged," Amuriat stated, warning that the Katonga faction is now in contempt of court.

Amuriat further asserted that the Najjanankumbi leadership is the only one recognized by the EC, and that they have continued to perform their duties without interruption.

He highlighted that the party has continued to receive funds from the EC and has complied with audit queries.

He also noted that the faction led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been denied access to party accounts by the bank, further proving the illegitimacy of their claims.

In a pointed attack, Amuriat criticized Lukwago, accusing him of attempting to destroy the party despite contributing nothing to its growth.

"It's extremely painful for us that Lukwago, who has put nothing into this party, now wants to bring it down," Amuriat said, urging FDC supporters to critically assess Lukwago's intentions.

Amuriat also issued a warning to John Ken Lukyamuzi the Conservative Party president and others associated with the Katonga faction, accusing them of being "killers of political parties," citing Lukwago's history of moving from one party to another.

Despite the strong words, Amuriat acknowledged that the FDC has no objection to the Katonga faction forming a new political party, likening the move to previous defections by former members like Beti Kamya and Gen. Mugisha Muntu.

"If they want to leave, they should do so in peace, just like Kamya and Muntu did," he said.

He reiterated that  FDC remains under his leadership with no interim administration, labeling  the actions of the Katonga group as mere "dikuula(clown) politics" and referred to them as "comedians."

Amuriat's fiery speech reflects the deepening rift within the FDC, as both factions continue to battle for control of the party.

With the leadership dispute showing no signs of resolution, the future of once Uganda's largest opposition party remains uncertain.