'Dikuula Politics': Amuriat blasts Lukwago, calls Katonga faction’s moves lllegal

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Amuriat Oboi has dismissed recent actions by the Katonga faction as "illegal and void."

The faction, led by Erias Lukwago and operating from former FDC leader Kizza Besigye's office on Katonga Road in Nakasero, is locked in a leadership dispute with the main FDC leadership at Najjanankumbi.

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

He stressed that the NDC, chaired by Wasswa Birigwa on 19th September 2023, was legally invalid. He cited a ruling by Justice Esther Nambayo on 17th September, which halted the conference and nullified any resolutions passed.

Amuriat did not mince words about Birigwa, accusing him of political maneuvering and labeling him a "climber of walls."

He also addressed the dismissal of a petition by Lukwago before Judge Musa Sekaana, which sought to stop the FDC’s 6th October National Delegates Conference.

"Our leadership is duly certified with the Electoral Commission (EC), and this ruling stands unchallenged," Amuriat said, warning that the Katonga faction is now in contempt of court.

Amuriat asserted that the Najjanankumbi leadership is the only one recognized by the EC. He highlighted that the party continues to receive funds and comply with audit queries.

He noted that banks have denied the Katonga faction access to party accounts, further undermining their legitimacy.

In a sharp attack, Amuriat accused Lukwago of trying to destroy the party despite contributing nothing to its growth.

"It's painful that Lukwago, who has done nothing for this party, now wants to tear it down," he said, urging FDC supporters to question Lukwago’s intentions.

Amuriat also warned Conservative Party President Kenny Lukyamuzi and others in the Katonga faction, accusing them of being "killers of political parties." He pointed to Lukwago’s history of party-hopping.

Despite his harsh words, Amuriat said the FDC has no objection if the Katonga faction wants to form a new political party, similar to previous defections by Beti Kamya and Gen Mugisha Muntu.

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

In conclusion, Amuriat dismissed the Katonga faction’s claim to FDC leadership, reaffirming his control over the party.

He described the actions of the Katonga group as "dikuula politics" and labeled them "comedians."

Amuriat's fiery remarks reflect the deepening rift within the FDC, leaving the future of Uganda's once-largest opposition party uncertain.