Uganda's main opposition party faces a serious crisis. The Forum for Democratic Change might crumble before the 2026 elections as more members jump ship to join President Museveni's ruling party. Political winds are shifting dramatically for the once-powerful opposition group.
President Museveni has been cleverly winning over opposition lawmakers from regions that used to hate him. He recently met with MPs from the Acholi area and convinced them to work together. MPs who used to fight against him are now talking about working for their people's prosperity instead of staying stuck in opposition. Some are openly saying they want to join the National Resistance Movement.
The party is falling apart from inside. A big split has emerged between two groups. One faction wants to create a brand new party called the People's Front for Freedom. They might take at least 15 current MPs with them. The remaining loyal members are shrinking fast. Most MPs see more advantages with Museveni's party. They get better financial support and feel safer politically.
Party leaders are trying to sound hopeful. They claim NRM is just using money and power to steal their members. But the numbers tell a different story. More than half of their 30 MPs are planning to leave or have already signaled they want out. Museveni's strategy of reaching out to previously hostile regions is working perfectly. He understands that force doesn't work as well as making people feel they benefit from joining him.
The real question is whether FDC can survive at all. Their national profile is weakening. Internal fights, personal political survival, and the ruling party's resources are destroying their unity. MPs are jumping ship not because they love NRM but because they want to keep their jobs. The party that once seemed like a strong alternative is now struggling to stay relevant. Unless something changes fast, FDC might become just another footnote in Uganda's political history.
President Museveni has been cleverly winning over opposition lawmakers from regions that used to hate him. He recently met with MPs from the Acholi area and convinced them to work together. MPs who used to fight against him are now talking about working for their people's prosperity instead of staying stuck in opposition. Some are openly saying they want to join the National Resistance Movement.
The party is falling apart from inside. A big split has emerged between two groups. One faction wants to create a brand new party called the People's Front for Freedom. They might take at least 15 current MPs with them. The remaining loyal members are shrinking fast. Most MPs see more advantages with Museveni's party. They get better financial support and feel safer politically.
Party leaders are trying to sound hopeful. They claim NRM is just using money and power to steal their members. But the numbers tell a different story. More than half of their 30 MPs are planning to leave or have already signaled they want out. Museveni's strategy of reaching out to previously hostile regions is working perfectly. He understands that force doesn't work as well as making people feel they benefit from joining him.
The real question is whether FDC can survive at all. Their national profile is weakening. Internal fights, personal political survival, and the ruling party's resources are destroying their unity. MPs are jumping ship not because they love NRM but because they want to keep their jobs. The party that once seemed like a strong alternative is now struggling to stay relevant. Unless something changes fast, FDC might become just another footnote in Uganda's political history.
