A heated exchange of counter-accusations has intensified within Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), once the country’s largest opposition party.
Today, both the party’s President, Patrick Amuriat, and his predecessor, Dr. Kizza Besigye, held separate media briefings, with Amuriat speaking at Najjanankumbi and Besigye at Katoga Road.
Nandala Mafabi, the FDC Secretary General (SG) aligned with Amuriat, pointed fingers at Besigye, Ssemuju Nganda, and Erias Lukwago, prominent figures within the opposing faction, alleging they are the biggest beneficiaries of government funds.
Mafabi disclosed, “During the 2011 election, there was significant funding of approximately Shs10 billion. However, the 2021 election was inadequately funded, with only around Shs3 billion received, as funders abandoned us due to Amuriat’s candidacy.”
Regarding the 2021 campaign funds, which Ssemujju said they got from the state, Mafabi said that they got the funds from well-wishers and kept it with Besigye.
“If it indeed originated from President Museveni, why did Besigye agree to hold it and subsequently return it in installments?” he asked.
Mafabi accused the Ssemujju faction of making baseless allegations without providing evidence, challenging them, “If their intentions are sincere, why don’t they present the evidence? They claim to have seen us receiving money at State House, but where is the proof?”
He further commented, “Ssemujju and others have accused me of striking a deal with President Museveni to hand over FDC in exchange for the position of Bank of Uganda governor or minister of finance. I have no interest in collaborating with Museveni. These allegations are motivated by personal gains of the accusers.”
As the FDC remains deeply divided, the party faces a challenging period of internal discord, with a long road ahead to resolve these disputes.