Uganda: Analysts Question Viability of Katonga FDC Faction's New Political Party Bid

29 August 2024

Political analysts have raised concerns about the viability of the Katonga-based FDC faction's recent attempt to form a new political party.

The faction, which submitted its registration application to the Electoral Commission yesterday, faces considerable challenges in gaining broad support, experts say.

Emmanuel Dombo, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Director of Communications, expressed skepticism about the faction's track record.

"They have a litany of failed parties, forums, or organizations behind them. What guarantees do they have that this new venture will succeed?" Dombo questioned.

Yusuf Sserunkuma, a notable political scholar, argued that the faction would struggle to gain traction due to a growing public disillusionment with political parties in Uganda.

"The ordinary person has realized that they do not need a political party to fight for their freedom. Political parties are seen as conflicted vehicles incapable of delivering on promises, so many Ugandans are now organizing themselves outside of political parties," Sserunkuma noted.

He added that new political parties have repeatedly failed to resonate with the public because they have not offered effective solutions to the country's pressing issues.

The Katonga faction's move has also drawn criticism from the NRM. Dombo dismissed the new party as inconsequential, stating that it poses no threat to the NRM. "Given their history of destroying political parties, who would dare to join such a group?" Dombo said.

As the Katonga faction awaits approval of their party name, they are preparing to collect the necessary signatures to support their registration.

However, analysts suggest that the success of this effort will largely depend on the faction's ability to demonstrate genuine appeal and relevance to the broader Ugandan populace.

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