By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has asked members who previously defected to return to the party. The call was made by party president Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat during a media briefing at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Wednesday.
Over the past 18 months, the FDC has endured internal conflicts, with allegations that President Museveni’s “dirty money” was used to destabilize the party. This led to the emergence of two factions: one based at Najjanankumbi and another at Katonga Road, Kampala. The Katonga faction accused the Najjanankumbi leadership of collaborating with Museveni cause confusion within the opposition political parties.
The Katonga group even attempted to dissolve the FDC and establish a new political entity, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), which is still in the process of registration with the Electoral Commission. However, the Electoral Commission has affirmed that the FDC remains a legally registered party with recognized leadership, making its dissolution difficult.
Amuriat disclosed that several members from the Katonga faction have approached the party seeking forgiveness and reintegration. He assured that the FDC is ready to welcome back any members willing to align with the party’s principles.
“I am, therefore, on behalf of top management, inviting all our former members to feel free and return home to their party,” Amuriat announced.
To facilitate the return of former members, Amuriat said the National Executive Committee (NEC) will establish reception desks in every district to coordinate the process. According to Article 12 of the FDC Constitution, members who wish to rejoin the party can do so in compliance with the party’s constitution.
Amuriat further revealed that the FDC has overcome its internal challenges and is now stable. He called on the youth to join the party and take up leadership positions in the upcoming party elections and national polls.
“The party offers equal opportunities to everyone. I, therefore, urge citizens, especially the youth, to make the FDC their first choice,” he added.
