By Edgar Barigye Kugonza
Last week as I sipped my coffee and watched the local news, a striking scene unfolded before my eyes. A faction of the newly formed People’s Progressive Front (PPF) was mobilizing support for its legalization, with some prominent faces from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) prominently involved. This wasn’t surprising, but their zeal to dissolve their former party, the FDC, was. It dawned on me that the same issues that have plagued the FDC will inevitably follow and also haunt PPF if left unaddressed.
For years, the FDC has struggled with internal divisions, particularly between the Najjanankumbi and Katonga factions, harshly mirroring the biblical tale of two women claiming the same child. Dr. Kizza Besigye, the party’s founder and erstwhile leader, finds himself cast in the role of Biblical King Solomon, tasked with resolving this intra-party conflict.
Just as Solomon’s wisdom revealed the true mother, Besigye’s leadership is now being tested to demonstrate similar wisdom. Will he employ creative problem-solving, listen to both sides, and remain impartial to reunite the fractured party, or will the divisions persist, undermining the FDC’s already-waning influence in Uganda’s opposition politics? The fate of the party hangs in the balance.
Dr. Besigye’s way of solving complexities leaves me wondering whether he properly learned riddle solving skills from his political mentor President Museveni during their time in the bush and later in the government. We all know that Kizza Besigye, a renowned Ugandan politician, has had an intertwined history with President Museveni, having spent significant time together in the bush. Therefore given their past association, it’s reasonable to expect Dr. Besigye like his mentor to possess exceptional skills in navigating and resolving political challenges within his party. His experience as Museveni’s personal physician and close confidant during their time in the bush, as well as his subsequent roles as Minister of State for Internal Affairs and National Political Commissar, should have undoubtedly equipped him with valuable insight and expertise at least in his circle of influence.
Dr. Besigye’s failure to learn his master’s skills in solving leadership riddles has rendered him a failed student of NRM ideology. So, I can tell you that the FDC’s poor performance in recent elections and the ongoing internal conflicts are a direct result of Besigye’s lack of timely intervention. Unfortunately, just like Bobi Wine in NUP, FDC pillars like Patrick Amuriat Obbo and Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who would be standing in the gap are still political amateurs in the field of ideology formation and application. Precisely, they are also desperately in need of guidance to navigate Uganda’s complex political landscape.
Otherwise, basing on what has been going on in Opposition for along period of time, its clear that Uganda’s opposition is woefully unprepared to lead our steadily growing nation, and it’s high time all Ugandans rallied behind the tried and tested leadership of President Yoweri Museveni. Kwegamba ono ye twamufuna nga kirabo! This is because the opposition’s inability to resolve petty internal conflicts raises serious doubts about their capacity to tackle complex national issues. If they can’t manage their own house, how can they be trusted to navigate the intricate web of societal complexities? The infighting, power struggles, and lack of cohesion within opposition parties are stark reminders that they are not yet ready for the mantle of leadership, leaving many Ugandans yearning for stability and effective governance.
However, in a surprising turn of events, all this would change if Dr Besigye chooses to change his misleading defiance ideology, become born-again and defuse the tension within his party although it would still take them a longtime to settle and lead Uganda. Imagine a new Dr. Kizza Besigye, the founder of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), surprisingly walking into the party’s Najjanankumbi headquarters and sharing a meal with the rival faction. This simple yet powerful gesture could be the catalyst for unity and reconciliation within the opposition party.
Dr. Besigye’s bold move would send a strong message that the party’s interests supersede individual differences. By breaking bread with his opponents, he would demonstrate his commitment to unity and the greater good of the party. The symbolism of this gesture cannot be overstated. It would show that even in the face of disagreement, there is still room for dialogue and reconciliation. This could defuse tensions between the two factions, creating a more conducive environment for constructive dialogue.
Meaningful dialogue would be the first step towards healing the divisions within the FDC. Dr. Besigye’s gesture would create an opportunity for joint initiatives to strengthen the party’s chances in future elections. So, to me the walk to Najjanankumbi would demonstrate Dr. Besigye’s willingness to listen to opposing views and find common ground. This leadership quality is essential for building a strong, cohesive party.
While challenges remain, the potential benefits of unity far outweigh the costs of division. Dr. Besigye’s leadership in this regard would be a beacon of hope for the FDC and Uganda’s opposition. So, all eyes are on Dr. Besigye’s leadership. Will he take the bold step towards reconciliation, or will the status quo prevail?
In conclusion, as the opposition continues to grapple with internal issues, I invite all those who have been patiently waiting for change to join forces with the NRM government and experience its benefits. Truthfully, with the 2026 elections fast approaching, it’s unlikely any opposition party will be adequately prepared to take the reins of power. Currently, NUP is struggling to find its footing, FDC is barely holding on, Jeema has disappeared, and UPC is moving at a snail’s pace.
Instead of waiting indefinitely, let’s unite and build our nation together, harnessing the goodness of our NRM government to create a brighter future for all Ugandans. Pamoja is soon launching a platform that will connect Ugandans to life-changing resources. The platform is designed to make your experience enjoyable and enriching, providing a one-stop shop for all the life-changing resources you need.
So, by teaming up and leveraging these resources, we can accelerate our nation’s progress and leave the opposition’s struggles behind. It’s time to focus on growth, development, and unity, rather than waiting for an opposition that’s still finding its way. Let’s work together towards a better tomorrow for Uganda.
The writer is CEO Pamoja Communal Empowerment Network
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