“It’s time to move on;” says Besigye as he moves to form new political party

Besigye and Lukwago, who head a breakaway faction of the FDC that is based on Katonga Road, yesterday announced plans to form a new political formation ahead of the 2026 general elections.

The interim President of the faction, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, disclosed the intent to form the new party on Wednesday in a gathering with district chairpersons representing various regions.

"Members who are still committed to the struggle to push back against the junta should consider getting a new brand and move on with the vision of building a new Uganda," Lukwago said.

"This will essentially entail having a new political formation.”

Col Besigye during his speech said although he was part of the founders of the Reform Agenda that later became FDC, the party’s current state is not salvageable.

He said starting afresh with a new formation might be a better idea, hard as it might sound.

“This might be the time to cut our losses and move on. This has its own challenges, but it is an option,” he affirmed.

Besigye also shared his optimism about the faction's prospects: “Some of you don’t have faith that we can succeed, but I have full faith myself that we will succeed.”

Hon Ssemujju Nganda from Kira Municipality, who originally exposed the NRM cash scandal that contributed to the FDC breaking into two factions voiced his endorsement for the creation of a new political entity.

He reasoned that those in control at Najjanankumbi would not cede the party without conflict, saying, “There are those who cannot let the FDC go. They would rather get buried with it, but please count me out. At times circumstances can force you to call yourself a different name.”

Nganda, who recently hinted at his departure from the FDC next year, echoed the sentiment of detachment from the old guard.

Similarly, Amb. Wasswa Birigwa, the former Party Chairperson, suggested it was time for the members to relinquish their ties to the FDC, remarking, "The FDC that we used to know does not exist any more, that is why this idea is coming up.”