Besigye’s Faction Poised to Make Party Decision in August Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Kizza Besigye’s faction is set to finalize its decision on a new political party in August. The faction, which broke away from the FDC due to ideological differences, has been holding consultations with its supporters and members, seeking consensus on the best course of action. According to sources within the group, several options have been on the table, including forming a new party from scratch or joining an existing one. “We have had extensive discussions with our members and supporters, and we are now nearing a decision,” said a senior member of the faction. “We believe that by August, we will have a clear path forward.” The faction is eager to establish a political platform that aligns with its core values of democracy, accountability, and social justice. They believe that a new party will allow them to pursue their goals more effectively. The creation of a new party would be a significant development in Uganda’s political landscape. It could potentially challenge the dominance of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and provide an alternative for voters who are dissatisfied with the current political system. However, the faction faces challenges in uniting its members and ensuring a smooth transition from the FDC. It also remains to be seen whether a new party would gain traction in the crowded Ugandan political arena. The announcement of the faction’s decision in August is highly anticipated, as it will shed light on the future of opposition politics in Uganda.FDC Katonga Faction Faces Decision on New Party FormationFDC Katonga Faction Faces Decision on New Party Formation The future of the Katonga faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is uncertain as its members prepare to decide on the formation of a new political party. According to Harold Kaija, the faction’s secretary general, the final decision will be made during the delegates’ conference on August 2, 2024, in Kampala. “We have consulted widely, and the majority of our members support the formation of a new party,” Kaija said. “We want our members to come and decide whether to form a new party or not.” The Katonga faction split from the original FDC party due to internal conflicts and accusations of promoting the interests of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party led by President Museveni. If the formation of a new party is adopted, the faction will officially split from the Najjanankumbi-based faction led by Patrick Amuriat and Nathan Nandala Mafabi. Kaija urged members to participate in the conference and give their objective opinions on the way forward. “We call on our members to prepare for the delegates’ conference and come with their ideas about where we came from, where we are, and where we want to be,” he said. The faction has been holding consultative meetings across the country, covering districts such as Busia, Wakiso, Ankole Kigezi, Rukungiri, Kasese, Masindi, Hoima, Lira, Gulu, Kitgum, Mityana, Masaka, West Nile, Kotido, Soroti, Amuria, Sepedi, and Mbale. The consultations have sparked mixed reactions, and Najjanankumbi faction spokesperson John Kikonyogo urged Dr. Kizza Besigye to ensure that the consultations do not destroy the FDC. The delegates’ conference will decide whether to form a new political party, reconcile with the Najjanankumbi group, or align with another group. The outcome will determine the future of the Katonga faction and the opposition landscape in Uganda.A faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) led by former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye will hold a delegates’ conference in August to decide on the formation of a new political party. This was revealed by the faction’s spokesperson, Mr. Wafula Oguttu, at a press conference in Kampala on Tuesday. “The delegates’ conference will be held from August 14th to 16th at a venue to be announced later,” Oguttu said. He said the conference will bring together delegates from all over the country to discuss and adopt the constitution of the new party, elect its leaders, and agree on its manifesto. “We believe that the time is ripe for us to form a new party that will be truly democratic, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people of Uganda,” Oguttu said. He said the faction had been holding consultations with other opposition groups and individuals and was confident that the new party would be a formidable force in the 2026 general elections. “We are confident that the new party will be a vehicle for change in Uganda,” Oguttu said. The FDC has been plagued by internal divisions in recent years, with Besigye and his supporters accusing the party leadership of being dictatorial and out of touch with the grassroots. In March, Besigye and his faction announced that they were withdrawing from the FDC’s activities and would form a new party. The formation of a new party by Besigye and his supporters is likely to further fragment the opposition in Uganda, which is already divided into several different parties and groups.