Mr. Erias Lukwago, the interim president of the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party’s Katonga faction, chaired his first meeting with the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) members. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss strategies for implementing resolutions from the recent National Executive Committee delegates’ conference held at Katonga Road.
During the meeting, Mr. Lukwago emphasized the importance of remaining strong and focused to regain public trust. Critical issues addressed included mobilizing undecided FDC members, removing contentious leaders from the party headquarters, and engaging founding members, religious leaders, and other stakeholders.
The roadmap for grassroots leadership elections, leading to the election of NEC members at a later date, was also discussed. Mr. Lukwago stated that further consultations with party members would precede any official announcements regarding these plans.
Despite facing challenges, such as financial constraints, Mr. Lukwago expressed determination to achieve their objectives. Additionally, Ms. Doreen Nyanjura, a NEC member responsible for trade and investments within the party, expressed her readiness to support the interim leadership’s mission to revive the party’s former glory.
In parallel, Mr. Patrick Amuriat, the party president of the Najjanankumbi faction, campaigned in Hoima District to secure votes for the upcoming National Delegates Conference scheduled for next month. Mr. Amuriat, seeking a second term as party leader, received approval to proceed with his campaign despite internal party disputes.
He urged party delegates from Bunyoro Sub-region to participate in the National Delegates Conference and elect the party’s National Executive Committee. Mr. Amuriat emphasized that the October 6 elections would proceed regardless of internal disagreements, calling on dissenting members to use democratic means to effect leadership change within the party.
The party’s Electoral Commission, led by Mr. Boniface Bamwenda, announced that all duly-nominated candidates have until October 4 to conduct their campaigns in preparation for the upcoming polls.
The turmoil within the FDC escalated when an extraordinary Delegates’ Conference passed resolutions to remove key party officials, including Mr. Amuriat, despite court orders and police attempts to halt the meeting. Mr. Lukwago was appointed as interim leader for the next six months, and the Najjanankumbi team remains determined to hold their NEC meeting next month.
