By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Katonga faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has issued a notice of dissolution of the party, citing Article 36 of the. FDC party constitution.
In a notice signed by Ambassador Wasswa Birigwa, Chairman of the FDC Katonga faction which Parrots UG has seen, the dissolution is pursuant to a resolution passed during the national delegates conference at Katonga on August 19.
“Pursuant to the resolution of the National Delegates Conference of 19th August, 2024, notice to dissolve the Forum for Democratic Change – FDC is hereby issued in accordance with Article 36 of the FDC constitution. Dated at Kampala this 26th day of August, 2024,” read a notice in parts.
This move follows a bitter split between the Katonga faction and the main party at Najjanankumbi, with accusations of “dirty money” and collaboration with the government.
Last week on Wednesday, the FDC main party president Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat disputed the legitimacy of the Katonga faction’s decision, stating that only the leadership at Najjanankumbi has the authority to dissolve the party.
“The only legitimate body that is authorized to engage in the process of dissolving the party as per Article 36 of the Party Constitution is the leadership at Najjanankumbi under the stewardship of Chairman Hon. Jack Sabiiti. So our colleagues at Katonga have no locus of dissolving the party,” he added.
What the law says
Article 36 of the FDC constitution provides that, 1. “The National Delegates Conference or the special conference may dissolve the party by two third majority of all delegates of National Delegates Conference and transfer the assets and liabilities of the party,” 2. There must be a notice of at least six months. 3. There must be a resolution from 2/3 of the district conferences. And, 4. The resolution must be supported by at least 80 percent of the attendance of the delegates conference.
Nevertheless, Amuriat assured millions of their supporters that FDC will remain ‘alive’ and they will continue to uphold their shared values.
“We would like to assure millions of our supporters and sympathizers, both locally and abroad, that under my stewardship, the Party shall remain alive; we shall continue upholding our shared values and expanding the spirit of One Uganda, One People far and beyond,” said Amuriat.
Further reports indicate that the Uganda Electoral Commission is set to meet with a team of FDC leaders from Katonga tomorrow to discuss the reservation of new party names.
“Tomorrow our Team will go to the EC to reserve the Party Names. Time: 9:00am,” said Harold Kaija, Acting Secretary General of the Katonga faction.
