Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has sharply criticized the current FDC leadership for indulging in practices reminiscent of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), specifically accusing them of buying support.
Over the weekend, the FDC held a large rally in Mbale, but reports have emerged that many attendees were enticed with food and beer.
Besigye took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his disapproval, writing, “When beer flows this way at an ‘opposition’ public rally in a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC), gripped by a deep socioeconomic crisis, then you know… I am confident that the people of Uganda shall overcome!”
Besigye has been on a mission to purge his former party of corruption and what he perceives as collusion with the NRM. Despite his efforts, a similar mobilization drive he led a week prior failed to draw a significant crowd, contrasting with his previous successes.
Public opinion is divided. Some commentators believe that the NRM’s infiltration of the FDC is deep-rooted, while others suggest that Besigye should step aside and allow the younger generation to take the reins. A youth wing account commented in Rukiga, “Nohingire ahorobi nawe nahistya akire ayinuka,” which translates to “even the best dancer leaves the dance floor.” The comment continued, “Spare our generation and allow us to move further with the FDC up to seeing its mission succeed.”
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