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JINJA - Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members in Busoga, subscribing to the party’s Katonga faction, have unanimously endorsed the formation of a new party, as a breakaway from the Najjanankumbi-based party.

All the 12 districts in the region including Jinja city voted in favour of a new formation, other than work with the Najjanankumbi-based party, arguing that it had veered off the right track.

The resolutions from the various districts were aired on Saturday during a consultative meeting for Busoga at Mpumudde Estate Primary School in Jinja City. 

The event was attended by party founding president Dr Kizza Besigye, FDC National Executive Council (NEC) members, and Members of Parliament.

“In our district meeting, we resolved to rebrand and have a new party and that Dr Kizza Besigye assumes the leadership of that new party,” Kamuli district FDC chairperson Asuman Mutaasa said.

Similarly, Iganga district FDC chairperson Hassan Muyinda said in their conference, members unanimously agreed to start afresh other than going into reconciliation talks as had been suggested in some circles.

“We want a new formation built on activism since we are still struggling for a free political space,” he said.

All other district leaders including Charles Tonda (Luuka), Isiko Mpala (Jinja), Abbey Mwase (Jinja city), Babirye Mboowa (Buyende), Emmanuel Okori (Mayuge), and Abdallah Magumba (Bugiri) had similar sentiments.

Given several options to choose from Earlier FDC vice-chairperson for eastern Uganda Proscovia Salaalmu Musumba said the district delegates were given options to pick from which included attacking FDC party headquarters at Najjanankumbi, rescuing the party through legal means, reconciliation talks, joining any other political party and formation of a new party.

“The people of Busoga have said 'no' to being traded like merchandise. We shall build again from the bottom to the top. The general consensus is that we should not waste time with the Najjanankumbi group,” she said after the meeting.

Besigye urged members to stay committed to the fight against what he called captivity of the majority of Ugandans by the minority.

“We have to fight and free ourselves from this captivity, no matter how long it will take, we must remain committed. I will never give up the struggle as long as I’m still alive,” he said.

Jinja South West Member of Parliament Timothy Batuwa and his Jinja North counterparts, David Aga Isabirye and Francis Mwijukye of Buhweju also asked members to stay focused.

FDC chairperson Wasswa Biriggwa and acting party secretary general Harold Kaija attended the event.