Amuriat calls Lukwago a failure, says Ssemujju should be in Luzira for corruption

KAMPALA. The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has criticized the Katonga group as political clowns, dismissing their “National Delegates Conference” called by former National Chairman Amb. Wasswa Biriggwa on August 19, 2024.

“It was a nullity,” said FDC President Patrick Amuriat in a 1700-word statement, accusing the Katonga group of contempt.

Amuriat raised concerns about the integrity of key figures in the Katonga group, including Hon. Ssemujju Nganda, Hon. Francis Mwijukye, Hon. Salaamu Musumba, and Hon. Lukwago Erias, questioning their past actions and associations.

Amuriat accused Ssemujju Nganda of being Speaker Anita Among’s ally, criticizing him for extensive travel, questionable integrity, and suspected corruption that has enabled him to enjoy more international trips than other MPs.

FDC also criticized Hon. Francis Mwijukye, accusing him of misappropriation and linking him to Gen. Kainerugaba Muhozi’s Patriotic League activities, wondering if the new Katonga Party is an extension of the PLU.

The FDC called Salaamu Musumba a regular visitor to State House who has received various State house funds.

FDC attacked Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago for antagonism and failed leadership, citing Kampala city as an example, also calling him a political nomad and hinting at Gen. Salim Saleh’s support.

Wasswa Biriggwa was criticized for disregarding party founders.

Amuriat stated that while the leadership at Najjanankumbi held a National Council chaired by Amb. Wasswa Biriggwa on July 28, 2023, which resolved to conduct elections from the village to the national level, the Katonga group challenged this in court. Justice Musa Ssekaana dismissed the petition, allowing the Najjanankumbi leadership to proceed with the National Delegates conference on October 6, 2023.

Since the newly elected leadership has operated unopposed, with funds from the Electoral Commission allocated to Parties represented in Parliament being used efficiently and accounted for.

Regarding the attempt to wind up the political party, only the legitimate leadership at Najjanankumbi, under Chairman Hon. Jack Sabiiti, has the authority to dissolve the Party in accordance with the Party Constitution. The resolutions made by the Katonga group to form a new political Party have not faced objections from the FDC leadership, respecting the freedom of association. Amuriat stated that this will be the third party to split from FDC, with Uganda Federal Alliance and the Alliance for National Transformation serving as precedents for such moves.

Concerning the extension of the interim leadership led by Erias Lukwago, the FDC leadership states that no provision for an interim leadership exists in their Constitution, dismissing the resolutions as “ridiculous and ultra vires.”

They accused Dr. Kizza Besigye of surrounding himself with individuals of questionable reputations while maintaining silence for political gain.

However, the accused officials have repeatedly denied the accusations, and Daily Secrets cannot independently verify them.