Nsibambi met Museveni as an individual, not party envo — FDC
“I am not afraid of anything. He never went as a party representative,” said Nandala.
President Yoweri Museveni in a group photo with opposition politicians at State House Entebbe. (Courtesy photo)
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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has distanced itself from a recent meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and a group of opposition politicians led by Mawokota South MP Yusuf Nsibambi, insisting that the engagement was strictly personal and not sanctioned by the party.
Speaking to New Vision on February 8, FDC secretary general and former presidential candidate James Nandala Mafabi said the party had “nothing to comment” on the meeting, arguing that Nsibambi attended State House Entebbe in his individual capacity and carried no mandate to represent FDC.
“As a party, we have nothing to comment. People are free to meet Museveni whether as individuals, clubs or farmers,” Nandala said. “He never went there as a party representative, so he has no authority to discuss anything on behalf of FDC.”
Nandala dismissed concerns that the meeting could undermine party cohesion or principles, saying FDC members are not barred from engaging the President on personal or professional matters.
“I am not afraid of anything. He never went as a party representative,” he said. “If he discusses anything about FDC, we completely dissociate ourselves from that.”
He likened the situation to professionals or members of cooperatives engaging government independently, noting that political affiliation does not strip individuals of their private interests.
“Supposing taxi drivers go to meet the President as taxpayers, should I stop them because some of them belong to FDC?” Nandala asked. “People have their own businesses. Nsibambi is a lawyer. He has a firm. He may have gone to discuss his business or other personal issues.”
Nandala also rejected claims that the meeting was secretive or required party authorisation, saying engagement with the President does not automatically confer political power or legitimacy.
“You can’t say that the meeting was private when they even took photos, if it was, no one would see these photos. Also, what if they were discussing power exchange and Mr Museveni wanted to give him power. The only problem is that now the statehouse has turned out be different, but the President meeting individuals should not be a problem. We have no problem with his meeting, we will not question him over it because we know it was personal, unless if the discussion was about FDC, then there might be a problem because we didn’t send him there,” Nandala said.
His remarks follow growing criticism from sections of the opposition after Nsibambi led a delegation of opposition politicians to meet President Museveni on February 5, 2026, to discuss what Nsibambi described as national stability and reconciliation following the January 2026 general elections.
Speaking to online bloggers and YouTubers after the meeting, Nsibambi said the engagement focused on calming political tensions and promoting unity after what he described as a highly charged electoral period.
“The meeting was about peace and reconciliation for the development and stability of the country, especially after the general elections that left some people’s tempers high,” Nsibambi said.
He revealed that the fate of hundreds of political prisoners was a key issue raised during the discussions, with the delegation appealing to the President to consider granting pardons.
“The issue of political prisoners was first on the agenda, and we asked the President to consider granting them a pardon,” he said.
The opposition MPs also raised concerns over the continued incarceration of Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, urging the President to order an independent investigation into his case.
“We asked the President to have a proper inquest into Kivumbi’s case and not to believe the existing propaganda,” Nsibambi said.
Responding to criticism that he acted without consulting opposition leadership, Nsibambi defended his decision, insisting that he acted independently and in what he termed the national interest.
“No one sent me. I am an elected MP, and I will engage whoever I deem necessary for the good of my constituents and the country,” he said.
The meeting was attended by several opposition figures, including Kioga County MP Okot Bitek, former Kasese Municipality MP Robert Centenary, Kyamuswa County MP Moses Kabusu, Rukiga County MP Roland Ndyomugyenyi and former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala. Others included Mukono South MP Fred Kayondo and Mityana South MP Richard Lumu.