Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has disclosed the reasons behind his departure from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. According to Tayebwa, he was labelled a spy of President Yoweri Museveni by FDC members when they noticed his financial prosperity.
Speaking at the vigil held at the late Kato Lubwama’s residence in Mutundwe on Saturday, Tayebwa, who switched from FDC to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party after the 2011 general elections, expressed his frustration at being branded a Museveni informant, leading to his decision to leave FDC.
Tayebwa highlighted the perception within FDC that one can only be considered a true opposition member if they are financially deprived. He pointed out that when individuals become financially successful, they are immediately accused of being spies for Museveni.
The Deputy Speaker shared his own experience, explaining that while he was an active member of FDC, he ventured into a printing business at Nasser Road, which proved to be profitable. He later initiated another business in South Sudan.
“When I started devoting less time to the FDC headquarters due to my business ventures, they labelled me a Museveni spy,” Tayebwa revealed.
He also referred to the criticism faced by Kato Lubwama, who faced backlash from Ugandans when he began enjoying his life after joining Parliament.