FDC Power Struggle Escalates: Najjanankumbi Faction Rejects Katonga’s Dissolution Declaration.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party is embroiled in a bitter power struggle, with two factions vying for control. The Najjanankumbi faction, led by Secretary General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, has rejected the declaration by the Katonga faction that dissolved the party. Mafabi’s statement highlights the illegitimacy of the Katonga faction’s actions, emphasizing that the FDC is a registered party with the Electoral Commission of Uganda and that only authorized office bearers can call party meetings.
Mafabi’s scathing attack on the Katonga faction, particularly Lukwago Erias and Wasswa Biriggwa, reveals a deep-seated animosity between the two groups. He dismisses their meeting as a gathering of “attention-seeking, like-minded, disgruntled rabble-rousers” and urges the public to ignore their “acts of theatrics.” This rhetoric suggests a personal vendetta against Lukwago, whom Mafabi accuses of incompetence and liability for the Kiteezi tragedy.
The power struggle within the FDC reflects a broader crisis of leadership and legitimacy within the opposition party. The Katonga faction’s decision to dissolve the party, citing their constitution, raises questions about the party’s internal democracy and decision-making processes. Mafabi’s response, however, also raises concerns about his own commitment to democratic principles and his willingness to engage in dialogue with dissenting voices.
The FDC’s internal conflicts have significant implications for Uganda’s political landscape. As one of the main opposition parties, the FDC’s disarray undermines its ability to effectively challenge the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). The party’s mobilization drive across the country, including the upcoming event in Jinja, may be an attempt to reassert its relevance and unity. However, without addressing the underlying issues driving the power struggle, the FDC risks further fragmentation and decline.
Ultimately, the FDC’s crisis highlights the need for robust internal democracy, inclusive decision-making, and effective leadership within opposition parties. As Uganda approaches future elections, the opposition’s ability to present a united and credible challenge to the NRM will depend on its capacity to resolve internal conflicts and articulate a compelling vision for the country’s future.
FDC Power Struggle Escalates: Najjanankumbi Faction Rejects Katonga’s Dissolution Declaration.
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum