The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leadership at Najjanankumbi has told their counterparts at Katonga Road that they are free to start another political organisation.
During the weekly press briefing, John Kikonyogo (pictured above), the party spokesperson, also told the Dr Kizza Besigye-led group to stop provoking them with insults.
Last week the president of the FDC Katonga faction, Erias Lukwago revealed during their national council meeting that some members had mooted the idea of forming another political group.
Kikonyogo said this is okay with them.
“As FDC we don’t have the authority and mandate to stop anyone from forming a political party. We wish them well although we would have wished that these members come back to the party, but if they can’t, they are free to do what they want,” Kikonyogo said.
He urged the leaders of the Katonga faction to refrain from hurling abuses at them.
“They should not put us on pressure and they should stop throwing insults at us. We shall not accept this. FDC has lost some members before.They should act with civility as Gen Muntu [of ANT] did,” he said.
Once the most formidable opposition party in the country, FDC developed cracks last year when a group of leaders led by Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, alleged that party president Patrick Amuriat and Nandala Mafabi, the secretary general, had been given money by the NRM in the run up to the 2021 elections to fight the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Following bitter exchanges and fist fights, the Ssemujju group set up base at Katonga Road, where Dr Besigye maintains an office, leaving Amuriat and Mafabi to take control of Najjanankumbi which is still the official party headquarters.