In a spirited rebuttal to claims made by Patrick Amuriat, the leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Dr. Kizza Besigye has emphasized the importance of focusing on substantive issues over symbolic disputes within the party. This response came after Amuriat threatened legal action against Besigye for using the party’s symbols and colours during his nationwide tours.

Dr. Besigye, a founding member of the FDC and a four-time presidential candidate, has been visibly utilizing the party’s blue colour and the two-fingered victory salute throughout his recent engagements across the country.

Despite his estranged relationship with the current FDC leadership, he argues that his actions reflect his enduring commitment to the party’s foundational values and principles.

The tension escalated last week when Amuriat accused Besigye of misrepresenting the party by using its emblems while not being formally associated with its current administrative structure. Amuriat declared, “We are going to take legal actions against this group not because they are running around the country, that’s their right, but because they are misusing or abusing the instruments that portray the FDC.”

In a sharp counter, Dr Besigye addressed these concerns at a press conference held at Katonga, dismissing them as minor compared to the broader political challenges facing Uganda. He criticized the FDC leader for prioritizing what he termed “petty children’s fights” over crucial national issues.

“The struggle is not about these parties, it’s about getting the country out of captivity,” Besigye said, pointing out the need for unity across various political factions to address the more pressing issues plaguing the nation. He ridiculed the focus on party symbols and colours, questioning the productivity of such disputes in the face of severe national crises.

“The real problems we need to solve are much bigger. People are dying who shouldn’t be dying,” Besigye remarked, stressing the trivial nature of the ongoing symbolic disagreements within the FDC. He expressed frustration over the distraction from more significant concerns, like government oppression and public mismanagement.

This internal strife within the FDC has been exacerbated by last year’s financial scandal, implicating several top officials, including Secretary General Nandala Mafabi and President Amuriat, in alleged corrupt practices involving substantial sums of money from the State House. This revelation led to a deep split within the party, resulting in the formation of two factions: one led by Besigye, often gathering at Katonga, and the official party headquarters at Najjanankumbi, steered by Amuriat.

Amid these divisions, prominent FDC members like Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and Erias Lukwago have vocalized their discontent with the leadership, casting doubts over its integrity and accusing it of corruption.

Dr. Besigye’s call for unity reflects a crucial pivot point for the opposition in Uganda, advocating for a coalition beyond party lines to effectively challenge the ruling regime’s grip on power. As the FDC navigates these turbulent waters, the focus remains on how it will consolidate its ranks and forge a path forward amidst ongoing internal and national challenges.