Leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) allied to Katonga yesterday held a mobilization tour in Wakiso, where hundreds of their supporters urged them to form a new political outfit and cut links with FDC-Najjanankumbi. It is an idea the Dr Kizza Besigye led faction has been toying with for the last couple of months since they developed differences with FDC Najjanankumbi.
While formation of a new political party has its advantages and looks to be the most viable option now (as opposed to joining a party like NUP with its internal issues), there are hurdles that await them. We look at five challenges they will have to overcome if they are to become formidable.
Museveni’s money
Rejecting Museveni’s money is going to be the biggest challenge for the new political organization. Museveni, has centralized not only power but the economy. He knows that the average politician like the average Ugandan, desires a good life (houses, cars, exotic holidays etc).
So even when the politician shouts hoarse about corruption, Museveni knows that that is just part of a political script. And since Museveni holds the keys to the bank called Uganda, he will try to throw some money in the direction of his critics in the new party. He did it with DP, FDC, NUP and definitely he will do it again with a new strong political outfit. And it will cause some divisions
Besigye’s powers have waned
When Besigye first stood in 2001, he was 45 years old. Political activism has taken a big toll on his life and health. He is not the vibrant rabblerousing politician that he was in the 2000s. He still remains influential but he is not someone you can base on to build an organization for the future. Besigye himself has said that when he clocks 70 years, he will take a back seat. He makes 70 years next year and people like Erias Lukwago, Ssemujju Nganda and others will have to carry the mantle.
Fight with NUP over Buganda
There is little doubt that some of the most visible leaders of the proposed party will be Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Ssemujju Nganda, Wasswa Birigwa and may be…Mathias Mpuuga, who appears to be disgruntled with NUP. All these are prominent politicians from Buganda, where NUP enjoys massive support. This will inevitably set it on a collision path with NUP as they jostle for positions and influences. There will certainly be friction and in some cases, violence.
Containing FDC Najjanankumbi
Most, if not all, of the politicians behind the new party trace their origins from FDC Najjanankumbi. If they are to become a formidable force, they will have to contend with it, if not totally vanquish it. It is true that Patrick Amuriat led outfit has lost its influence and is a shadow of its former self. Still, it is enjoys some advantages. For instance, it has resources that the new party does not. Secondly, the Amuriat-Nandala has strong support in the East (Teso and Bugisu). Weakened as it may be, FDC Katonga will always be a thorn in the flesh of the new party.
Watching out for opportunists
Political opportunists will always be there and when they sense that an organization is influential, they will come in droves. Opportunists don’t mind about the ideals or principles of an organization. As long as they can use the organization as a platform to achieve their political goals, they will stick around. So Besigye and group will have to watch out for opportunists who may derail their cause.
