FDC President Col. Kiiza Besigye Retires

SOURCE: THE RED PEPPER, 18 DECEMBER 2011

Dr. Besigye

THE WIND of change seems to be blowing at the opposition Forum for Democratic Change headquarters in Najjanankumbi. The party president Kizza Besigye on Thursday announced that it is high time he quit the most influential party position.

This was during the National Executive Council meeting in Najjanankumbi. Besigye had summoned a NEC crisis meeting the day before and ordered every senior official to attend.

Time check was 10:30am; Besigye clad in a dark blue suit arrived at the office where his entourage seemed to have waited curiously. Being an exclusive meeting for senior FDC party officials, scribes were not allowed at the premises.

Besigye who had spent a couple of months without stepping at his office looked excited. He was welcomed by most of the  party stalwarts, namely vice president for eastern region Salaam Musumba, the national council chairman Sam Njuba, and party mouth piece Wafula Ogutu among others.

Later they headed to the conference hall. On the agenda, were many matters but two were vital. Besigye began by addressing the burning issue to the FDC members; he made himself clear that he was ready to hand over power though his tenure expires in 2014. A source revealed to this newspaper last night.

“I am handing over power as the president of FDC, it’s my due respect and I have thought about this decision. I am mandated to do so though my term has not ended,” Besigye remarked.

He added: “The reason I have done this is because I want my possible successor to have ample time to sell his or her personality to the masses and party officials. I want my successor to get used to enduring pressure from our rivals. I know FDC has not fallen short of competent figures who can continue the struggle till we achieve our goal.”

Following the announcement, sources say everyone who attended the meeting seemed to have frowned in deep thoughts. Members whispered to each other on who will step in Besigye’s shoes and steer the party to State House come 2016. “Immediately names were suggested, including that of former army commander Gen. Mugisha Muntu”, an insider intimated.

Mugisha’s name was backed by many which indicated that he could be the next FDC president. The senior party members say Muntu would intensify pressure on NRM Government since he has many things in common with President Museveni, and he has a military back ground which many believe is an advantage for anyone to lead Uganda.

Besigye at the same time touched the issue of amending the party constitution to allow the president powers to appoint his or her own entourage. Initially it was the National Council which could appoint the party representatives.

Besigye’s idea was bought by many officials who requested the National Council meeting that sat yesterday to discuss the matter and forward it to the Annual Delegates Conference which will sit next year for endorsement. The National Council meeting was expected to be attended by 300 delegates comprising 141 NEC members, all party MPs and 112 FDC district chairpersons.

Sam Njuba chaired yesterday’s meeting. But Besigye said that he would not abandon the party. “My retirement doesn’t mean I am not involved in the affairs of FDC. FDC is my blood, family and I will remain fighting for sovereignty of our party like before,” he is quoted to have said. “Feel free to ask me anything regarding the affairs of FDC. Consult me and I will swiftly respond. Remember a politician can never retire,” he added sending the members into laughter.

Besigye’s retirement comes at a crucial time when FDC is in dire need of someone who can exploit the in-fights in the NRM camp ahead of the 2016 elections.