The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members belonging to the controversial Katonga faction on Saturday resolved to form a new political party in preparation for the anticipated 2026 polls. During a consultative meeting convened at Mpumudde Estate primary school in Jinja City, the renowned FDC political figures expressed determination to remove the long-serving president Museveni from the country’s top seat.
The proactive gathering attracted attracted several influential leaders in the split party led by the vision bearer and four-time presidential candidate Dr Kiiza Besigye, the national party chairman, Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, Eastern region vice president Salam Musumba and acting secretary General, Hanold Kaijja among others.
Members of Parliament affiliated with the faction, such as the Jinja North’s Isabirye David Aga and Dr Timothy Lusala Batuwa, were also present.
FDC last year split into two conflicting camps, including Katonga and Najanankumbi. The Katonga group now believes that distancing themselves from the Najanankumbi faction will give them a pathway to the new government as their opponents in Najanankumbi have their individual benefits.
Najanankumbi faction is led by the 2021 presidential candidate Engineer Patrick Oboi Amuriat and its secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who represents Budadili West constituency in the August house. While the Kampala City Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, serves as the acting president of the FDC Katonga camp.
Some district chairpersons during the meeting on Saturday informed the cheering gathering that party members in their respective districts across Busoga subregion proposed and agreed to form a new political party to avoid the current internal controversies that are only leading to the downfall of the vibrant opposition.
“According to the consultations we did, our members are ready for a new political party. It is only you, the top leadership, to lead us to the new home,” said Hassan Kisitu Mpala, the FDC chairperson of Jinja district.
Mpala stated that diehards are now faded up of the conflicts in the party and the solution as their efforts are towards unseating Mr Museveni.
In his remarks, Dr Besigye emphasised unity among the opposition, believing that it is the only way Ugandans shall be liberated from the “oppressed regime.” He said President Museveni can be removed from power even before 2026 polls.
“We are all one person, provided we are Ugandans. Whether you are in blue, red, purple, or any other colours, we must come together and fight for our power,” Besigye determinedly opened the mouth.
The long-term opposition politician (Besigye) called for collaboration of opposition parties to advocate for the rights of citizens and decried opportunities being used by the regime to sabotage the peace and objectives of the opposition.
“What is NUP (National Unity Platform) now is because of those who are just being used. We must do away with them and focus on our struggle,” he noted.
The party’s national chairman, Wasswa Birigwa, encouraged members vying for political positions to stay strong and wait for the party flags in the 2026 polls.
