In a shakeup after a special National Council sitting on Friday, Uganda’s largest opposition political party, Forum for Democratic Change(FDC), has benched a number of its leaders on the National Executive Committee (NEC) and replaced them with new ones who start their duties with immediate effect.
The dropped leaders include Arua Municipality legislator, Kassiano Wadri who went against the party decision of not standing as an independent candidate in the Arua Municipality by-election held in August.
Wadri has been the party’s deputy mobiliser for Northern Uganda. He has been an open critic to the current top party leadership and has had ties with People Power pressure group headed by MP Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
He has now been replaced by MP Hassan Kaps Fungaroo.
A few months ago, Wadri slammed the FDC leadership when the party threatened to penalize all members who had backed him (an Independent candidate) over the official party candidate, Bruce Musema.
The party had revealed it would penalize Mugisha Muntu, Paul Mwiru and Winnie Kiiza and several other MPs on the party ticket.
But Wadri downplayed the position of the party and instead blamed former FDC President, Dr Kiiza Besigye for setting a precedent when he chose to support non-party members such as Allan Ssewanyana, Latif Ssebagala, the Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago among others.
Former Serere woman MP, Alice Alaso, who has been the party’s Deputy President for Eastern Uganda, has been replaced by MP Taaka Kevinah Wanaha.
Alaso allegedly denounced the FDC to join the newly formed political organization led by former FDC President, Mugisha Muntu.
Jinja East lawmaker, Paul Mwiru has also not been spared. Mwiru has been the deputy party spokesperson but in the announced changes, he has been replaced by veteran politician, John Kikonyogo. Mwiru is another close associate to MP Kyagulanyi and People Power. He was also among the FDC members who ditched Musema to support Kassiano Wadri in the Arua election.
Youthful lawyer and activist Isaac Ssemakadde has been appointed Deputy Legal Secretary of the party, a newly created position.
MP Munyagwa Mubarack, a renown defiance campaign activist is the new deputy party mobiliser in central region, replacing Mr. Alex Gitta.
Below are the other changes announced by the FDC:
MP William Nzoughu replaces Patrick Baguma as Deputy President – Western
Kibuuka Mukalazi replaces Rajaab Kaaya as Vice Chairman – Central
Lawyer Tugume Moses replaces MP Yokas Bihande as Deputy Mobiliser – Western
Dr. Dominic Wakabi replaces Namutamba Zanubia as Deputy Secretary Health
Namwanga Rukia replaces Mesearch Nuwabiine as Deputy Secretary Local Government
Ouma Denis appointed Deputy Sec. PWDs (Position fell Vacant when Substantive Secretary Noah Muhwana died)
Kasozi Robinson appointed Secretary for Veterans, Ex-Service Men and Pensions (New Appointment)
Betty Nabudde appointed Deputy Secretary for Veterans, Ex-Service Men and Pensions (New Appointment)
Oneka lit Denis Amere replaces Hon. Stephen Ochola as Deputy Secretary Industry and Trade.
Ssebuffu Harriet replaces Ms. Sandra Katabarwa Ngabo as Deputy Secretary for Culture, Ethics and Religious Affairs.
Walid Mulindwa Lubega ratified as National Youth Leader having been given powers by the Youth Extra Ordinary Delegates Conference sitting 29th November 2018
Adyaka Judith appointed as Deputy Secretary for Agriculture (New Appointment).
Chemonges Joseph Alfred appointed Deputy Secretary for elders (New Appointment)
Virginia plan Mugyenyi Replaces Ibbi Frolence Deputy Sec Education.