Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) vice-chairperson Salam Musumba has called on Patrick Amuriat, the current FDC party leader, to refrain from issuing threats and engaging in theatrics against the FDC-Katonga faction.
Amuriat, who heads the FDC party based in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, has expressed displeasure with the emergence of the Katonga faction, which has seen several party members aligned with Dr. Kizza Besigye shifting allegiance.
The FDC Katonga faction, led by Besigye, has been conducting nationwide consultative meetings to gather views on the formation of a new political entity.
However, Amuriat has accused Besigye of misusing FDC symbols and has threatened legal action against him and his associates.
The FDC, established on December 16, 2004, emerged from the Reform Agenda, a pressure group comprising disillusioned members of the National Resistance Army liberation struggle and the subsequent Movement system of government.
Amuriat, while not prominently positioned in the party hierarchy at its founding, played a role as a founding member due to his status as a Member of Parliament.
Despite his background, Amuriat assumed the FDC presidency in November 2017 after adopting a defiance approach in line with Besigye’s camp.
In response to Amuriat’s threats, Musumba urges him to allow the FDC-Katonga faction to conduct consultations without intimidation.
Musumba emphasizes that the Katonga faction will soon unveil symbols, colors, anthems, slogans, and flags for their envisioned party, reiterating that their consultation meetings are lawful.
She calls on Amuriat to respect the aspirations of Ugandans seeking change and advises him to desist from divisive actions within the party.
In conclusion, Musumba insists that Amuriat owes Ugandans an apology for the discord within the party and urges him to show respect to those advocating for change.
