Supporters and leaders in the Kigezi region, aligned with the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), have thrown their weight behind the faction’s initiative to establish a new political party, signaling a diminishing hope for reconciliation with the Najjanankumbi faction.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kizza Besigye, the FDC Katonga faction convened a meeting on Thursday afternoon with supporters from Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda, and Kisoro districts at the Hilltop Hotel in Kabale. Prior to the gathering,
FDC leaders and supporters encountered resistance from the police when attempting to organize a procession through Kabale Main Street. After an hour of tense exchanges near the Kabale-Katuna roundabout, the police eventually permitted the procession.
Addressing the assembly, supporters led by Gideon Tumwesigye, Vice Chairperson of Kabale District, Vicent Mushakamba, Chairperson of Kisoro District, Johnson Byaruhanga, Secretary-General of Rukiga District, Vastine Katushabe, Chairperson of Rubanda District, and Abednego Mbabazi, Publicity Secretary of Hamurwa Sub-County in Rubanda District, voiced their endorsement for the faction’s decision to establish a new political entity.
They emphasized that creating a new party would provide a platform for Ugandans seeking change without aligning with the perceived betrayals of the Najjanankumbi faction. Besigye emphasized the need for nationwide resolutions to be finalized in the coming months to initiate the process.
In January 2024, the FDC Najjanankumbi group conducted mobilization efforts in the western region, led by Jack Sabitti and Robert Centenary, focusing on grassroots strategies in Western Uganda while exploring avenues for reconciliation with the Katonga faction and reinforcing party support to foster unity.
In Kigezi, a closed-door meeting took place at the Kings Hotel in Kabale district, where all mobile phones were confiscated to maintain the confidentiality of the discussions.
The FDC has grappled with internal conflicts since November 2023, when the Katonga group, led by Dr. Kizza Besigye, accused the Najjanankumbi group, led by party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi and Secretary-General Nathan Nandala Mafabi, of receiving funds from President Yoweri Museveni during the 2021 general elections.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 Presidential campaigns, the Electoral Commission has outlined key dates, including candidate nominations on October 2-3, 2025, electoral area demarcation by July 2024, and a general update of the National Voters’ Register by January 2025. Elections are scheduled to take place from January 12 to February 9, 2026.
