Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the outcomes and findings of the elders’ committee established by FDC officials to probe allegations of ‘dirty money’ purportedly injected into the party.
The committee’s report, recently presented to the National Council, failed to substantiate claims of financial impropriety involving funds allegedly provided by President Museveni to support FDC activities during the 2021 general elections.
The controversy centers around allegations made by FDC leaders, including spokesperson Ssemujju Nganda, who assert that party Secretary General Nandala Mafabi and President Patrick Amuriat received unspecified funds from President Museveni during the elections. These allegations have also stoked suspicions of a scheme to align the party with the ruling NRM government.
Addressing the media at his Katonga office, Besigye, a founding figure of FDC, expressed disappointment in the elders’ committee’s handling of the investigation.
He criticized the committee for failing to delve into crucial aspects, such as the exact amount of money, its origin, intended use, and associated terms.
Besigye recounted that he was informed about the money by Nandala, who explained that he was delivering funds to be used for paying party agents. Nandala cited concerns about the Uganda Revenue Authority’s (URA) scrutiny of his finances, prompting the decision to discreetly channel the money.
The ex-FDC president revealed that Nandala’s driver delivered about Shs300m in a large box, which was subsequently deposited at Besigye’s Nsambya petrol station for safekeeping. Later, Nandala requested the return of the funds. Besigye stated that he lacked awareness of the money’s source, as he also became aware of additional funds entering the party during that timeframe.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the alleged ‘dirty money’ has led to a deep divide within the once-unified opposition party. The rift has resulted in two distinct factions within FDC: one led by Nandala-Amuriat and another by Besigye-Ssemujju. Top of Form
The issue has prompted significant internal discord and raised questions about the party’s financial integrity and direction.