Leaders from the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in northern Uganda have given their support to Patrick Amuriat Oboi’s bid for re-election as party leader. They expressed this endorsement during a meeting called the “Trans-Karuma Convention 2023” in Otyam District on September 29, 2023, in preparation for the National Delegates Conference election set for October 6, 2023.
At the gathering, FDC leaders from Acholi, West Nile, and Lango sub-regions gathered under the leadership of former Obongi County lawmaker Kaps Hassan Fungaroo. They conveyed their belief that Moses Byamugisha, Amuriat’s opponent, lacks the necessary capacity and vision to lead the party effectively.
The meeting produced several resolutions, including the commitment to hold the Trans-Karuma Convention twice a year for the benefit of the people in Acholi, Lango, and West Nile. Additionally, they pledged to support candidates from northern Uganda for national-level positions within the FDC.
Efforts to reconcile the crisis within the FDC were also discussed, with a call for districts previously excluded from elections by the Katonga faction to hold their elections promptly after the National Delegates Conference.
Furthermore, the leaders decided that disciplinary actions should be taken swiftly against party members who undermine the legitimate activities of the party. This was deemed essential to maintain discipline and ensure proper behavior within the party.
Amuriat, addressing the delegates, characterized his rival, Byamugisha, as inconsistent and ambitious. He cited Byamugisha’s limited participation in FDC grassroots elections and his attendance at meetings organized by different FDC factions as evidence of this inconsistency. Amuriat emphasized the importance of unity within the party as the election date approached.
