By Homeland MEDIA TEAM
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is in the midst of a prolonged internal dispute as the Katonga faction, led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and founding member Dr. Kizza Besigye, pushes to dissolve FDC and establish the “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF).
Despite pledges made at their recent National Delegates Conference to disband the party and transfer assets to PFF within six months, the Katonga faction’s efforts have stalled after three months.
The issues are with our lawyers, so there isn’t much to share at this stage; we must wait for their advice. It may take as long as needed.
The party leaders decided to dissolve it because it strayed from its founding principles. We’ll update you at the right time,” stated Wasswa Birigwa, Katonga’s National Chairman.
The delay has sparked doubts about the faction’s commitment and the feasibility of its plans. While Katonga claims that legal consultations and signature collection are still underway, the Najjanankumbi leadership, led by National Chairman Jack Sabiiti, views the delay as evidence that Katonga lacks the legal authority to dissolve the party.
“Their efforts are nothing more than a publicity stunt; only the Najjanankumbi leadership holds legitimate authority. Let them try, and we’ll see, because the laws are clear,” Sabiiti said, asserting that if Katonga had legal standing, the dissolution would have already been completed.
The Electoral Commission has weighed in, reiterating that only the FDC under Najjanankumbi is officially recognized.
“We regulate political parties but expect each to uphold its constitution, particularly regarding dissolution,” said Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi, confirming that FDC remains validly registered under Najjanankumbi.
During the National Delegates Conference, the Katonga faction presented two key steps: disbanding FDC and reallocating its resources to the PFF, and registering PFF as an independent entity. However, the lack of progress has led to growing public skepticism about whether these plans will ever be realised. Birigwa has reiterated that legal consultations are ongoing but has not provided a timeline for dissolution. “FDC no longer aligns with its founding mission, so dissolution is inevitable,” he said.
Under the Political Parties and Organizations Act of 2005, the Electoral Commission has jurisdiction over party registration and dissolution, but Mucunguzi clarified that the Commission does not intervene in a party’s internal constitution.
With two competing factions seeking control, the key question remains: who holds the legal right to submit the dissolution documents?
For now, Najjanankumbi remains in control, holding representation in the National Consultative Forum, endorsing candidates, and managing the party’s finances and headquarters.
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