Besigye, FDC division play out at peace summit

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Drama ensued at the national peace pledge summit at Kampala Sheraton Hotel on Friday (October 25, 2024) after delegates from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) protested the introduction of Wasswa Biriggwa as their party chairman.

The delegates led by the former Obongi county Member of Parliament Hassan Kaps Fungaroo, demanded that Biriggwa leave the table provided for FDC delegates at the peace summit.

▪️ Inside Besigye's exit: What next?

A photo collage of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat and former FDC strongman and founder, DR Kizza Besigye. (File)

Fungaroo is the FDC party secretary for mobilisation.

"We are here for peace," the former FDC chairman Biriggwa said as he stood up to leave the FDC table to occupy the seat reserved for the master of ceremonies, Charles Odongotho.

Biriggwa is a key ally of the former FDC strongman and founder, Dr. Kizza Besigye who have since parted with the Najjanankumbi-based party following the dirty money allegations that rocked the party early this year.

Besigye group accused the party leaders Nathan Nandala Mafabi, secretary general, and party president, Patrick Oboi Amuriat of financing the last campaign elections using money from their opponent President Yoweri Museveni.

Amuriat was the FDC's Presidential flag bearer in the 2021 general elections where Museveni reclaimed victory.

Besigye and his allies are now in the process of forming a new political party; People's Front for Freedom (PFF).

The Electoral Commission recently granted permission to the proponents of the PFF to collect signatures as one of the requirements before the party is registered.

▪️ EC clears Besigye’s party to collect signatures for registration

It took the convener of the summit, Beatrice Kiraso to plead with the FDC delegates not to match out in protest.

"We are here for peace do not fail us," Kiraso said.

"There has been a lot of recommendations from so many research papers that I have seen, and so many dialogues where leaders in Uganda, especially, leaders of political parties are advocating for a change in the electoral system to provide for proportional representation," Kiraso said.

The summit, which culminated in the signing of a peace pledge ahead of the 2026 general elections, attracted political party leaders, diplomats, religious leaders, representatives from the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and civil society organizations.

The United States Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp noted that the peace pledge should be a platform for political actors to uphold peace.

Balaam Barugahara (Left) the Minister of State for Youth chats with Mariam Wangadya, the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission and William Popp, the United States Ambassador to Uganda at the launch of the National Peace Pledge 2024. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

According to Popp concrete actions towards peace is paramount to avert the dangers of conflicts that mainly affect innocent citizens.

The religious leaders under the umbrella of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) represented by Apostle Joseph Sserwadda, lauded the peace summit as a sign of commitment to political maturity and proof that political stakeholders are ready to put the interest of their nation above their own.

"Generally, elections are very high-stake processes, characterised, among others, by negative competition, violence and divisive propaganda, including negative identity, persuasions and manipulations, which, if not well managed, can easily plunge the entire country into chaos," Sserwadda said.

He added: "We are very aware that there are some stakeholders who have mastered the art of instigating electoral violence and organising its use as an electoral tool. Be aware that this time round, Uganda is watching. The previous elections have been characterized by all forms of violence, including, among others, physical confrontations by political contestants and their supporters, ethnic incitements and exchange insults, threats, intimidation, manipulation, especially of youth, to perpetuate violence."

He stated that acts of violence lead not only to physical injuries and mental anguish, but also to untold suffering, loss of life, and a significant threat to social cohesion.

The EC highlighted that they strongly believe the security and peace during elections.

"Security and peace are critical ingredients of a free and fair election. You can never have an election which is free, fair and credible when there is no peace and security practically possible," Dr. Sallie Simba Kayunga who represented the chairperson of EC Justice Simon Byabakama, said.

Justice and constitutional affairs minister Nobert Mao, Secretary-General of the Democratic Party (DP), Dr. Gerald Siranda and NUP Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru at the launch of the National Peace Pledge 2024 at Sheraton on 25th Oct 2024. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)

He added; " We believe as EC that whatever our differences, the peace, unity and stability of our country Uganda can never be compromised. Whatever we do as the electoral commission should never compromise the peace, unity and stability of our country Uganda. Therefore, the EC's approach is peace and a peaceful election."

He reiterated EC's commitment to facilitate a peaceful electoral process by giving an opportunity of fair participation to all.

The Justice and Constitutional Affairs minister, Nobert Mao used the occasion to assure religious leaders and other stakeholders that government will do what is within its power to facilitate the smooth electoral process.

"So please don't sign this pledge in a light-hearted manner. We have been warned that it is very serious," Mao said. 

He added; "We need to respect the people we disagree with. We do not respect our opponents. We have just seen it here." 

The minister reiterated that it is time to discuss a transition to forge forward with the country's future.

The Uganda National Peace Pledge Summit was Organized by the National Consultative Forum (NCF) and the International Republican Institute.