FDC Terminates Relationship With People’s Government, Citing Internal Conflicts

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

Kampala: The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has officially ended its affiliation with the People’s Government, a pressure group led by former party president Dr. Kizza Besigye. The decision comes after a series of conflicts and challenges that have hindered the effective management of the two centers of power within the party since 2018.

The People’s Government was formed by Dr. Kizza Besigye as a defiance measure following his loss in the 2016 presidential elections. Working closely with the FDC, the group aimed to advocate for change and challenge the ruling government’s policies.

However, during a press conference on Monday, October 30, 2023, FDC party president Eng Patrick Oboi Amuriat announced the termination of cooperation with the People’s Government. He cited internal conflicts, allegations, counter-accusations, and malicious propaganda as the reasons for the decision.

“After a period of reflection and thorough internal discussions, the FDC National Executive Committee reached a consensus to recall the resolution that established the People’s Government. With immediate effect, therefore, the FDC will no longer participate in any activities associated with the People’s Government. This may only resume when the conflict between the two is resolved,” Amuriat stated.

According to Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the conflicts within the party have led to considerable turmoil and negative publicity in the media. The existence of two centers of power has created confusion and hindered the effective functioning of the FDC. The National Executive Committee decided that it was in the best interest of the party to sever ties with the People’s Government.

The decision to terminate the relationship was not taken lightly, as the FDC had initially seen the People’s Government as a means to strengthen their defiance against the ruling government. However, the internal conflicts and negative consequences for the party’s image have outweighed the benefits of the cooperation.

The FDC is now focused on resolving its internal conflicts and restoring unity within the party. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat emphasized that they remain committed to their core values and objectives, which include advocating for democracy, human rights, and good governance in Uganda.

By press time, the New Light Paper’s efforts to get a  response from the People’s Government to the FDC’s decision bore no fruit. It is unclear how this termination will affect the future activities and strategies of the pressure group.

The FDC’s decision to sever ties with the People’s Government signifies a turning point for the party. As they navigate through internal conflicts and work towards unity, the FDC aims to regain its strength, credibility, and influence in Ugandan politics.