FDC presidency contenders split on defiance campaign

(L-R) FDC presidential candidates Dan Matsiko, Patrick Amuriat, Mubarak Munyagwa and Mugisha Muntu. Photo by Nancy Nanyonga

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) contenders for the party's top job have clashed over defiance as a political strategy to capture power during the debate at Sharing Hall, Nsambya.

Although former Kumi Municipality lawmaker, Patrick Amuriat, agitated for defiance, the other candidates, including the incumbent party president, Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu, poured cold water on the defiance campaign as a vehicle to capture power.

During the debate held this afternoon, one of the candidates, Dan Masiko said: "I can't be seeing people fighting in the defiance campaigns and also go there. I want something different."

The defiance campaign was launched by former FDC party president, Dr. Kizza Besigye, but some party stalwarts view it as too radical to propel the party and also galvanise supporters.

Muntu on the other hand called for dialogue and coalition with other political actors by strengthening inter-party dialogue.

"We have a hostile political environment, but we have been at the forefront of building coalitions. As FDC we realized we can't build this country alone," he said.

However, Amuriat accused the current leadership of the largest opposition party in the country of misusing party resources.

"Haemorrhage of funds within FDC will be minimized," he pledged.

The other candidate, Moses Byamugisha said: ""You can only undermine a party system when you are an outsider, I have grown in this system and I know our flaws. I will work to correct those because they are the ones I have grown seeing!"

The candidates have all pledged to accept the outcome of the internal electoral process—whatever the outcome.

"I am a practicing democrat. I have participated in four elections and lost thrice and I have not disagreed. I stand my ground. Even when I lose, I don't look at myself but the institution of FDC," Muntu said.

On November 24, FDC is expected to elect a new party president.  Muntu is seeking a final term as the party president.

The three candidates in the race have all pledged to transform FDC by building institutions and systems that will help the party win elections in 2021 general elections and also increase numbers in Parliament.