Can FDC Katonga dissolve FDC?
The FDC's Katonga faction plans to dissolve the party, raising legal and political challenges.
THE CRUX | FDC Katonga faction plans to dissolve the party within six months, sparking legal and political debates.
KAMPALA | The Katonga faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has announced plans to form a new political party, citing the need to protect and preserve the achievements of the FDC.
The faction accuses its former colleagues at the party’s Najjanakumbi headquarters of undermining these achievements and has resolved to dissolve the FDC within six months.
The legality of this move has sparked debate, with questions arising about whether the Katonga faction has the authority to dissolve the FDC under Ugandan law.
The process of forming and dissolving political parties in Uganda is governed by the Political Parties and Organisations Act of 2005 and the constitutions of individual parties. In this case, the FDC constitution is under scrutiny.
According to the Political Parties and Organisations Act, the Electoral Commission (EC) has the authority to seek a court order to deregister a political party if it fails to declare its assets and liabilities or if it violates key principles of the code of conduct.
These principles include ensuring the legitimacy of governments chosen through free and fair elections and creating an enabling environment where citizens are informed about party policies and candidates.
Mr Julius Mucunguzi, spokesman for the Electoral Commission, said while the EC can oversee the dissolution process, internal party dynamics are for the parties themselves to manage.
“In forming a political party, they submit two copies of the constitution," he said.
"The internal dynamics are for the parties to handle. Any decision to end the life of a party must be done in consistency with the provisions of the party law,” Mucunguzi added.
The Katonga faction is relying on Article 36 of the FDC constitution, which outlines the process for dissolving the party.
According to Francis Mwijukye, a prominent figure in the Katonga faction and Member of Parliament for Buhweju constituency, the dissolution of the FDC can only occur if approved by a two-thirds majority of the National Delegates Conference or a special conference.
Additionally, a notice period of six months is required, and the resolution must be supported by at least 80% of the attendees from the district conferences.
Mwijukye argues that the faction at Najjanakumbi has violated the founding principles of the FDC, prompting the Katonga group to take action.
“We formed the party with the objective of change. Najjanakumbi has diverted from this. We have submitted the notice and have six months to finalize this process,” Mwijukye said.
Amuria Patrick, the FDC Party President, has responded to the Katonga declaration, urging calm and unity within the party.
“This move by our colleagues at Katonga is deeply regrettable. The FDC has stood as a beacon of hope for many Ugandans, and dissolving the party is not in the best interest of the people we serve. We must work through our differences and focus on our common goal of bringing about democratic change in Uganda,” Amuria said.
As the Katonga faction pushes forward with its plans, questions remain about the future of the FDC and whether the Najjanakumbi faction has indeed violated the law, potentially leading to the party's dissolution.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the FDC will survive this internal conflict or if a new political landscape will emerge.
Where it all started
In 2023, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) experienced a significant rift among its leaders, leading to a deepening divide within the party.
The fallout began over accusations of financial mismanagement and allegations of secret deals with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). K
ey figures, including Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala Mafabi, were at the center of these disputes, with factions forming around them.
The situation escalated when party members loyal to Dr. Kizza Besigye accused the current leadership of abandoning the party’s core values.
This infighting led to a split between the Najjanakumbi and Katonga factions, each claiming legitimacy.
The divisions weakened the FDC's influence and raised questions about its future as a leading opposition party in Uganda.
FDC was founded in 2004 as a political party committed to challenging the long-standing rule of President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The FDC was born out of a merger of several opposition groups and civil society activists who were frustrated with the lack of democratic progress in Uganda.
Dr Kizza Besigye, a former ally of Museveni and once his personal physician, became the face of the party and its first president.
Besigye’s defection from the NRM and his subsequent opposition to Museveni marked a significant turning point in Ugandan politics.
Besigye led the FDC in four presidential elections—2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021—each time challenging the election results, citing widespread irregularities and state-sponsored violence.
Under Besigye’s leadership, the FDC became the strongest opposition force in Uganda, known for its advocacy of democratic reforms, human rights, and social justice.
In 2012, Besigye stepped down as party president, and General Mugisha Muntu, a former army commander and respected military strategist, was elected as his successor.
Muntu’s leadership style, which focused on building party structures and a more inclusive approach, sometimes clashed with Besigye’s confrontational tactics.
In 2017, Muntu lost the party presidency to Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who continued the party’s mission of opposing Museveni’s regime.
Despite its internal challenges, the FDC remains a symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule in Uganda, though its future has become increasingly uncertain due to internal divisions and changing political dynamics.
