Uganda Needs National Leaders, Not Kings – MP Katushabe’s Rallying Cry

MP Atkins Godfrey Katushabe, representing Bukhonzo County West in Kasese District, has publicly criticized Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the Secretary General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), over his handling of party structure elections.

Katushabe and other party officials convened at Fairway Hotel Nakaseero, where they voiced their concerns about Mafabi’s failure to effectively organize internal elections. They believe this mismanagement has led to confusion and disunity within the party. They emphasize that the FDC is uniquely positioned to offer the much-needed national leadership that the country seeks.

Katushabe stated, “We are determined to save our sons and daughters in the FDC, and this responsibility is non-negotiable. We will not compromise to safeguard our country.”

He further accused Nandala and FDC President Hon. Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat of engaging in tribal politicking, which goes against the party’s values.

“We are not seeking regional chiefs or kings like the Emorimor or Umukuka; we seek national leaders because our country yearns for unified national leadership,” Katushabe emphasized.

Katushabe expressed agreement with other party members to suspend all ongoing electoral processes until the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meets to address the issues within the FDC and conduct fresh elections. He expressed readiness to rescue the party from Nandala and Amuriat, who are accused of plotting to sell the FDC to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

He asserted that the FDC is prepared to fight for the country and dismissed claims that this turmoil marks the end of the party, stating, “This is the beginning of our march to State House.”

FDC is a prominent opposition party in Uganda and a strong contender against the ruling National Resistance Movement. However, it has faced challenges in the past quarter, including internal divisions fueled by allegations that the party Secretary General and President received funds from President Museveni to finance the 2021 general elections. The party is now split into two factions, one led by SG Nandala and another indirectly headed by former party president Dr. Kizza Besigye, represented by Hon. Ssemujju Nganda.

Observers believe that the FDC’s ability to address these issues and present a united front will be crucial in the upcoming highly competitive general elections.