Salaam Musumba calls for political reset in Uganda

Wary of political vacuums and leadership crises, Proscovia Salaam Musumba, a prominent figure in Uganda's opposition, has called for a political reset, emphasizing the need for a fresh start in the country’s political landscape.

Musumba, a firebrand within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), revealed that the party she has been part of since its inception is dissolving and preparing to transition into a new political entity.

She suggests this move is necessary to address the “political hang-ups” facing Uganda.

“Uganda’s political leadership needs resetting because it has stalled, calling for a reboot in a refreshing manner. FDC is dissolving itself and ready to transition afresh, perhaps an incarnation and resurrection of sorts, so get ready,” Musumba said  at her Namwendwa country home.

Musumba underscored the need to manage the transition amidst a credibility crisis in Uganda’s political arena.

She emphasized that the FDC cannot allow its two-decade struggle to fade into oblivion, adding, “Those Najjanakumbi guys should start their own too if they are men enough."

The dissolution notice follows the National Delegates Conference of August 19, 2024, and is in accordance with Article 36 of the FDC Constitution.

"We are applying to register a new party in accordance with sections 5 and 7 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, which has come as a shock to both the government and the Najjanakumbi faction," Musumba explained.

Musumba criticized the current state of the party, saying it has been contaminated by people who have lost their national character and no longer add political value.

She pointed out the need to look for young leaders and ensure that the party's legacy remains intact, avoiding any political vacuum that could allow unwelcome elements to take over.

“The world has refused to buy them, and the best option is to dismantle the political base, forgetting the enduring peace created by a person to survive. As we exit, we should not leave a vacuum and be ready to join others as a party or team, not as individuals,” Musumba asserted.

In a contrasting statement, FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi dismissed Musumba's claims, saying, “We are not losing any sleep over this because, according to the same article they quote, the only legitimate body authorized to engage or transact business on behalf of the party is the leadership at Najjanakumbi under Jack Sabiiti, not Ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa. Treat this as a political stunt and the kicks of a dying horse trying to stay relevant,” Amuriat told Nile Post.

The ongoing tensions within the FDC highlight a deepening rift as the party grapples with internal conflicts and the challenge of redefining its future in Uganda's political landscape.