A look into FDC’s the Special Elders Committee Report

Today the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) published the Special Elders Committee Report, which was discussed and addressed at the horrific National Council meeting at Najjanankumbi headquarters yesterday. Therefore, I don’t have high hope or look forward to be reading and assessing it. Since I know it won’t be much and what it does say, is predetermined anyway. Especially, regarding several key leaders and their actions.

This here report does shed a light on a few things, but also show how the FDC has fallen. It has fallen from it’s mission and become settled. That’s why certain parts of it where they are trying to malign Dr. Kizza Besigye. They are instead undermining the ideals of the FDC and what it has stood for over the years.

Just read this paragraph: “Dr. Besigye also stated that around the same period within which he received money from Hon. Mafabi, a colleague visited him and reminded him of how they had suffered together, and how many FDC members are becoming desperate. In turn, Dr. Besigye asked him what could be done about the matter. The colleague advised Dr. Besigye to cause a formal agreement with NRM to establish a Government of National Unity. He asked the colleague whether he was advocating for terms of surrendering, and he answered in the affirmative. The colleague also told him that there were already some contacts with Museveni, and also requested Dr. Besigye to keep the information confidential” (…) “Dr. Besigye further informed the Committee that after getting the information from a person working in State House, he reached out to President Amuriat and asked him whether he had received any money from Hon. Mafabi. President Amuriat admitted having received some money from Hon. Mafabi to the tune of Uganda Shillings 280 million which was intended to help the Party during the electoral process. Dr. Besigye added that that is when the bad blood between him and Hon. Mafabi began to emerge” (FDC Special Elders Report, 13.07.2023).

Here the FDC is just showing it’s face and how it betrayed it’s core ideals. They were already in talks with Museveni and the State House. There was communication and even thoughts of a Government of National Unity (GNU). That’s copying Zimbabwe and what ZANU-PF did with MDC back-in-the-day. Therefore, this just shows how compromised the party has become.

The nail in the coffin: “Dr.Besigye concluded his submission by asserting that the FDC which is supposed to be the vanguard of challenging the NRM dictatorship has remained inactive in the last two and a quarter years” (FDC Special Elders Report, 13.07.2023).

We are seeing how Nandala-Mafabi tries to malign Besigye by just this quote alone: “Hon. Mafabi concluded with another allegation that Dr. Kizza Besigye wanted to micro manage the Party, yet during his tenure a lot of funds were mobilized from both covert and overt sources without being questioned about them” (FDC Special Elders Report, 13.07.2023).

The key paragraph about the money is this one: “The Committee found this issue a sensitive one and responsible for the dispute between Dr. Besigye and Hon. Mafabi as already highlighted. The disagreement stemmed from the fact that Hon. Mafabi asked Dr. Besigye to keep for him Uganda Shillings 300 million for the agents. In turn Dr. Besigye was allegedly contacted by a source from State House saying there was some money received by some FDC Party leaders from State House. This made Dr. Besigye to cause a meeting with some of the leaders who were directly concerned about the matter but that meeting and other subsequent meetings did not yield results. Dr. Besigye stated before the Committee that money released from Bank of Uganda is dispatched to three entities i.e. commercial banks, security agencies and State House. He further averred that he also took the initiative to find out and the serial numbers on the new notes he received pointed to State House” (FDC Special Elders Report, 13.07.2023).

While this report was a travesty and a lot of knowledge of it was already in public. There is little new substance here. There was no shocking or revealing factors. The defence of Nathan Nandala-Mafabi was the lacklustre one. It lacked the potential and the documentation to seem worthwhile. While Besigye just stood his ground. Alas, the party and the ones writing the report tried to make him look like a villain. That is obvious for anyone. They are totally going against him and everything he has worked for over the years. Therefore, the FDC is trying to dislodge Besigye now…

The only new info to me was the final paragraph that I highlighted, as it states that Besigye knew the source of the money and could even know so by the serial numbers on the banknotes. Meaning the source that Besigye had in the State House told him exactly what cash that was at play and the FDC had received it. Therefore, Nandala-Mafabi and the inner-circle of the FDC wasn’t honest about the “dirty money”.

The leadership of the FDC is tainted and this report only amplifies it. It is a shoddy and like minutes of a meeting written report. This doesn’t show any new perspective. The only thing it does… is showing how the leadership of FDC is disregarding the public and they are trying to keep things hidden. As they don’t want the truth out. Peace

Opinion: The FDC is corrupted now…

Corruption is not only when a government official diverts money intended for other use; corruption is also when people take up offices and fail to perform and serve to the expectations of those who entrusted them with these offices” (Nathan Nandala-Mafabi, 25.08.2012).

The Forum for Democracy and Change (FDC) has been in turmoil for a while now. It has been what feels like years with inner-circle bickering and in-fighting. Today was no different as the National Council Meeting was scheduled and the minutes was already set in stone. However, the day wasn’t as fruitful or useful as it could have been.

Today is yet another tragic day in the history of the FDC. The days of glory and prestige is over. That’s how it seems when certain leaders lock themselves inside their office. While others are violently kicked out, kifeesi inside the compound and the police even interferes to arrest 12 individuals. That’s happening as the party is just supposed to conduct a procedural meeting.

Alas, here is the brutal truth. The FDC is now captured. A corrupted elite and men who has resigned their ideals for a quick buck. They are now willing to burn the legacy and greatness of FDC on the altar of the tainted silver coins. That’s what they are doing and they think nothing of it.

There is already intel about the inner works, which the Party President and Secretary General never wants to reveal, but there is an External Security Organisation Agent within the FDC and another Military attaché… these have been leaked about and says something about how they now operate. That’s why the FDC Headquarters can easily be accessed and have the power of the authorities. In the past the authorities raided and confiscated equipment there. Now they are a part of it all.

Patrick Oboi Amuriat went barefoot in the campaign up to the 2021 general elections. Nandala-Mafabi stood by him and now they are brothers in arms. They are two culprits who works hard to twist it against Dr. Kizza Besigye and his allies. These two are trying to pin him on the cross and say his the sinner. While they are exonerating themselves from any wrong doing. Just showing arrogance and ignorance of the mess they have made.

Today’s report or results of the National Council Meeting is totally pointless. Regardless of what is said or done. The FDC is in shambles and blind ambition is interfering in build a cohesive party. The FDC isn’t a front runner or a party to look up too. No it’s a fallen giant and a has been. That is lead by corrupted gentlemen. Gentlemen who don’t mind concealing funds and keeping secrets. Instead of being transparent and example, which is differentiate them from the government that they are opposing.

Amuriat and Nandala-Mafabi are lost and so are the party. The FDC seems to be rudderless and without proper steering. It is just captured and corrupted. Taken for granted and sold for little to nothing. That’s it… Peace.

Uganda: Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) – Press Statement on the Current Onward Movers of Refugees between Uganda – Kenya and the Action being Taken by hte Department of Refugees (26.07.2023)

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni letter to Minister of Justice and Consitutional Affairs Norbert Mao – Continous Wrong Turns at Historical Road Junctions (22.07.2023)

Uganda: National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) – Update on the Media Blackout on Government Activities (21.07.2023)

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC): The Sad an Unfortunate Incident at FDC Premises on 20th July, 2023 (20.07.2023)

Opinion: The FDC is in a free-fall

The speed and levels of betrayals of the party is astonishing. The approach of the leadership, the arrogance and the actions speaks louder than words. The Party President and Secretary General has to answer for it all eventually. This is a hostile takeover and will have prolonged ramifications.

The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as we know seems to be lost. The party which was noble, fierce and directly opposing the regime isn’t all there. Especially, when the Headquarters are sealed off, a National Chairman not allowed to speak to the press and journalists are beaten around the gates. This sort of siege is only like the ones we are accustomed to when IGP Kale Kayihura entered the HQ and took seized goods belonging to the party. Now it was internally driven and hired people from the “kingmakers” of the party.

Alas, here is where the trouble remains. The Party President, Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Secretary General Nathan Nandala-Mafabi are inconsistent in their story telling and also in their defences. It doesn’t make sense. And when things doesn’t make sense, they are most likely not true. Their confidentiality excuse isn’t carrying them either. Especially when these two are tarnishing every name in the book and mocking the party they are a part of.

The FDC deserves better than this. To die in your movie is stupid, but that is what these gentlemen did. They didn’t even have to become Caesar and get betrayed by Brutus. No, they just did it on their own self like some kamikaze pilots. It’s hard to believe, but that’s what they are doing.

The grieving party who are on rescue mission is there for reason. Not that it seems to matter at this point. The ones in-charge who are not taking them into account. Is pushing for a forced election and hoping to get away with it. This is initially causing more internal strife and possibility of more damage to the party.

This time it will be even more dire than the campaign to oust Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu as the incumbent Party President. This Party President isn’t up to it and is even trying to distance himself from the people and the second power-house in the party, which is at the Katonga Road. Therefore, POA should be gracious with it, but instead acts like its a problem now. That’s because the same people that stood behind in 2017 is now asking or rhetorically questioning their actions. While they are not having it…

Today’s actions on radio, NBS Frontline and most sincerely at HQ are distressing. The gentlemen in power are jaded and disingenuous. This week has been detrimental to how people perceive FDC. The FDC I knew and saw from afar is lost. The moment the National Chairman after being held hostage for hours has to flee with a ladder and over the wall of the premise. That is a scene out of movie and we know who the villains are this time.

Today could have been better. However, things are just getting worse. The leadership of the FDC isn’t sound or a unison collective. No, it is two camps and one trying to sideline everyone else. Without considering the implications of doing so. Especially when the one camp doing came to power through it and got it’s blessing. However, all of these years down the line. That isn’t mattering and both of the gentlemen are trying to tarnish and distort the legacy of Besigye within the party. A man who they where lucky to be associated with at one point or another. Therefore, this is really infuriating.

It is a reason why plenty are writing R.I.P. FDC and calling today it’s death. That’s tragic really, but just like Reform Agenda ceased to operate. Maybe the FDC should too and they should either create other parties or deflect elsewhere. Since their home is burning and there is no sound mind to stop it or extinguish the fire. They are just letting the fire-sale go off and hope they don’t get burned.

As bad as today was and feels. There are always hope, though the glimmer of hope with FDC is getting faded. The party aren’t what it used to be and the leadership aren’t to be trusted. I admired this party and the leaders of it. They got me typing day in and day out. That’s why it feels sad to see this party play it out this way. FDC lost track of its role and ambition, and possibly sold out for a few shillings. That’s sad, but life too. Greed and power corrupts… and that can happen anywhere. Peace.

Opinion: Besigye was a voice of reason, while POA and Nandala-Mafabi went personal…

Let us interrogate why Museveni would want to fund his opponents. Museveni knows that there is no power in Parliament; in fact, he wants us to be in Parliament to legitimize Parliament provided we do not seek to remove him; provided we are a good Opposition, he wants us in Parliament. Museveni wants to fund an impotent opposition. He also doesn’t want the Opposition groups to link up. He wants opposition groups to fight each other and he is behind the feuds among opposition parties” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (18.07.2023).

We have received information about the funders of the Nsambya meeting from suspicious sources. All the people who contributed to that meeting have never contributed to the well-being of FDC” – Patrick Oboi Amuriat (19.07.2023).

Today there was two Press Conferences in regard to the wrangles in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). One Press Conference was held at Najjanankumbi and the other at PG Headquarters at Katonga Road. This means the two sides of the wrangle held their presser and told their sides without being together. It just shows how the FDC is drifting apart…

What was striking today was how Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala-Mafabi went personal. They went directly to attack everyone on the other side. Instead of answering the grievances they went after the ones questioning the inner-circle of power within the FDC.

It is clear that the ones in the offices of Najjanankumbi isn’t listening or even considering the implications of the allegations put toward them. While the other party was addressing things in another manner and even enlightening. That’s shows the difference between Besigye and Amuriat or Mafabi for that matter.

I am disappointed by what came from Najjanankumbi today. They are trying to tarnish Besigye now. Because, he questions funding and they even said his was at fault or left Amuriat behind in the 2021 elections. It just shows that the leadership aren’t accountable for their own actions. There are even allegations of how they act like big-men and get other honourables to bend their knees for a possibility to be a flag-bearer or be on the FDC ticket. If that is true, than the culture of FDC is eroding and people are lavishing in the internal power.

 

That’s why this power struggle is important. The ones blaming or looking sideways at Erias Lukwago now is foolish. That is making him a fall-guy because what happened in the Democratic Party (DP) when he was there. If you do this, then you are window-dressing and not seeing the context is different from Lukwago within the FDC. He has to answer accordingly in the FDC in comparison to the DP. It is a reason why he left the DP and later became a part of the FDC. That’s was on the merits of the party and the allegiance he has with Besigye.

In regard to all of this, as the Ssemujju, Mwijyke, Byamugisha and Besigye is all trying to do a rescue of the party. Nandala-Mafabi is dancing on the grave of the party. As he wrote and said this about the matter:

Let us also go back to the memory lane. During the 2006, 2011 and 2016 general elections, Dr. Kiiza Besigye as a presidential candidate was funded. We also went ahead and funded all the activism activities. All these were in billions of shillings but no one ever dared to inquire into the source of the money. We sourced for these funds legally and made these activities possible. In 2021 when Hon. Amuriat contested, we did the same sourcing of funds and made the campaigns possible. Why then is it a problem now when Hon. Amuriat is in the picture, but was never an issue then when we had Dr Kiiza Besigye as our presidential candidate?” (Nandala-Mafabi, 19.07.2023).

This is what the FDC Headquarters decided to do. It is the choice of the Secretary General and Party President to act like this. Instead of being transparent or accountable. They are instead trying to tarnish the founder and the former Presidential Candidate. The man who coined the People’s Government and People’s President. He who stood tall from the times of Reform Agenda and was a vital part of the creation of the FDC. That man is Nandala-Mafabi and Amuriat attacking. Like we don’t know Besigye or his story to this day?

Why can’t the current leadership show the funding and the paper-trail of finances in regard to the General Elections of 2021? What is so dangerous about doing so? Where did the money go and what was the plan?

Did POA go Barefoot to mock the struggle and use it as a trick to eat? Did the other FDC high ranking officials partake in it and endured everything while steadily attacking National Unity Platform (NUP) instead of going after National Resistance Movement (NRM). That’s what is bugging plenty of us and non of this was answered.

POA was just a static noise and disrespectful of others. He didn’t ooze charisma or anything. When he says the participants didn’t contribute to the FDC. Who is he to say that? Byamugisha, Nyanjura or a Ssemujju has done more than most. They haven’t been historicals or resting on their laurels. No, these are people who has stood tall and they are loyal to Besigye. That’s what hurts Amuriat or Mafabi, as they will never be regarded like him. These two speaks of sacrifices, but it is not like they built the party from scratch either. There was plenty of allies and former FDC high ranking officials who has done so. It just shows what happens and how things has eroded.

POA also said it was a trouble to have two headquarters, as if he would be in office without the PG Headquarters. He needed the support and wouldn’t have gotten into the Presidency of FDC without the hardliners surrounding Besigye. That’s why POA should reconsider how he was elected in 2017. The way he went into office will also be the way that possibly takes him out too. Because he has no subtle way or ideals to consider other ways of moving. That’s why the Besigye advice of changing ways or strategically reconfigure the party has been dismissed.

I’m sad for the FDC. This is a party that I was admiring and cherishing from afar. They where a promising unit and seemingly a difference from the NRM. Nevertheless, it seems to be all gone and on the deathbed. The leadership of FDC rather wants to tarnish and go after one of the key founders like Besigye. Than be accountable or transparent… and this party will always cry out loud for the government to be so…

POA and Nandala-Mafabi has to consider their next steps. This Press Conference was doing them no good. Neither was the publishing of their statement. It is just showing how they are not up for the leadership roles and to carry the greatness of the FDC. They are not proper custodians of this party, but instead enjoy the perks and privileges of being “opposition” in the Republic. That’s just sad… and the FDC deserves much better. Peace.

Opinion: The FDC wrangles will only devalue the party even further…

I cannot be party to a process that is going to install a ‘Mao-like’ leadership whose main objective is to carry the party to Museveni” – Ibrahim Ssemujju MP (NBS Television, 17.07.2023).

FDC party leaders have ordered Kira Municipality MP and FDC party Spokesperson to apologize for holding an illegal assembly. The leaders want Ssemujju to step down as party Spokesperson for what has been deemed indiscipline” (NBS Television, 17.07.2023).

I have been betrayed by my leader, and since I’m a fighter, you cannot betray me, and I keep quiet otherwise, the money that is being talked about, the treasurer should know, but the treasurer does not know where the money came from. The money did not reach Najjanankumbi?” (Francis Mwijuke, 17.07.2023).

Am happy to have been present during the consultative meeting by FDC members.

We love the FDC party more than we love our dia leaders.

We can therefore afford to sacrifice a member or a leader in office for the sake of keeping the party on course” (Moses Byamugisha, 17.07.2023).

Today is a sad day for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). No matter where you stand politically. The former opposition powerhouse is in self-destruction mode. I felt the party got hit badly enough by the “New Formation” and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). That split between Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and the Dr. Kizza Besigye fraction was hitting the FDC too. As the moderates left and the ones who stood by Muntu went to ANT.

Now, it seems to be a brewing battle between a bunch of high ranking officials within the party. One part is the Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala -Mafabi. These to have allegedly accepted funds from directly from Museveni, which cannot be traced.

That is being said a group lead by Ibrahim Nganda Ssemujju. Togetehre with Erias Lukwago, Doreen Nyanjura, Francis Mwijuke and Moses Byamugisha to name a few. It is obvious there is a big split now. As the FDC Electoral Road Map has been altered and questioned, yet again.

There is certain thing at play here. It is succession and possible people seeking to retain their offices. While others have bargained in the past for a better role. Therefore, there are a lot of possible allies and intrigue to be created. Several of people who has forged alliances and positioned themselves accordingly.

That’s why this could possibly damage the party more than when Muntu left the fold. If the ones having a National Consultative Meeting today starts a fresh or deflects to other parties. The FDC is losing valuable characters and people who has stood tall for the party for years. Except Lukwago who came from the DP recently. Though he has been a Besigye ally for years.

Some just seeing it as Mafabi’s time to run for Presidency. It’s his time after Amuriat and others wants to jump the queue. However, that isn’t far fetched, but speaking of moles and possible bribes from Museveni says there is more underneath all of this. The same was done with Muntu and his choices as a leader. Therefore, we should hope for better, but that’s too much to ask.

If certain high ranking officials leaves the party. It is all up to them to do so. However, they will have to find a new home and security, which they have today. They are established people within the party and would need time to be as respected or as influential outside. That’s what Muntu and his peers have found out.

Time will tell, but this is only beginning. This is a battle of power, prestige and possible future gravitas. That’s why they are doing this and they are trying to see who can end up supreme. Peace.

Opinion: ANT is a place of stagnation…

We can all appreciate the wits, the wisdom and the experience of the Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu. He is a seasoned politician and has character. Muntu is a man you can respect and acknowledge. There is a certain aura about him, but that doesn’t save him from criticism or questions about his demeanour.

When he didn’t become the incumbent Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President he started his own consultation and with the reach of a “New Formation”. That in turn became the political party of Alliance for National Transformation. Several of allies from within the FDC joined him. Not only Paul Mwiru, but Alicia Aloso and Winnie Kiiza for that matter. These are well established former MPs and people who has a standing in the political sphere.

Muntu went ahead and created this party. He did so with under two years to the next general election. Leaving the FDC and getting fellow allies from the FDC on board. Which should have created a bigger buzz and more of prominence in the 2021 elections. However, that fell flat and the party is seemingly a brief-case party with lack of nationwide exposure.

Maj. Gen. Muntu might be a pragmatic fella. His fellow allies might be seasoned and diplomatic in their way of response and political outreach. It is fine that a political party wants to do civic education and build. Alas, they need high-ranking officials and needs people in offices across the Republic. If not its a party with a headquarters and a few paid staff.

ANT can have the best paperwork and policies. Heck, it can be answer to all the ills of the Republic. However, if it only stays within reach of a few chosen few and not spread far and wide. Well, it looses its value and is less attractive.

Muntu and his fellow inner-circle has chosen this path. They are careful and calculated. These folks don’t risk anything or push the boundaries of the party. No, they are just attentive and trying to catch straws when it can.

We cannot fault Muntu, everyone knew he was this way as he disregarded the way Besigye wanted to run the Presidential Campaigns. We know Muntu didn’t want no “defiance” and “boycotts”. No, he wanted to work and change from within. Like it was possible to negotiate and possibly parley for a better position over time. However, we have seen that it haven’t resolved anything and is a fruitless enterprise.

ANT from a far seems stagnate and on the losing end of a stick. In a more friendly and equal playing-field of multiparty democracy…. The ANT would have better position and be more viable. People are reluctant to side with them when they are not pushing against the oppression. When ANT are meagre and mediocre response to the mischief and the misgivings of the state. ANT could be poignant and sincere about it, but it rather be soft and clever.

Muntu and his inner-circle has to see what happened when an ally like Mwiru left the party. Mwiru was a part of his party-wing in the FDC. He now sees that there is no future and choice of viability in ANT. That’s why his becoming a journeyman to the NUP. Muntu should take this too heart. Because, sooner or later the voters, the members and whatnot might follow too. They are not seeing anything hopeful or substantial.

The only see the wise and the well thought through approaches that leads to nowhere. It seems so futile and slow. Muntu might have the best of intentions, but it seems so far-fetched and like his forcing his hand by not taking a proper stand or even pushing the party to prove its worth. If it wanted too, ANT could be more viable and be more visible. It could show heart and where it stands. However, that seems like too much to ask. It is a reason why the Serere By-Election didn’t go ANTs way. There is no reason to vote for it and hard to believe the pragmatism will be defining the opposition or the manner of which will be end of the dictatorship. Peace.