Uganda’s opposition landscape is no stranger to division but Patrick Amuriat’s latest statements reveal deep cracks that could redefine the struggle against President Museveni.
Speaking on NBS during an interview, FDC president painted a picture of an opposition fractured by distrust, opportunism and strategic exclusion.
“What is viewed as the mainstream opposition today doesn’t feel comfortable working with us,” Amuriat lamented, adding that key political meetings take place without FDC’s meaningful inclusion and decisions are made before they are reluctantly invited at the last minute.
Amuriat did not hold back in addressing the plight of Dr. Kizza Besigye, FDC’s founding leader and a four-time presidential candidate who has faced multiple arrests and brutal crackdowns by the state.
However, Amuriat accused some opposition figures of using Besigye’s suffering as a mere tool for political posturing.
“You cannot be shouting at Museveni and expect justice,” he remarked, in what many perceived as a jab at figures in National Unity Platform (NUP) and other opposition parties who often amplify Besigye’s plight but do not work hand-in-hand with FDC to secure his freedom.
Perhaps the most intriguing moment of Amuriat’s interview came when he declared
“Something needs to be done and in a matter of weeks we are going to engage. Another button has to be pressed and FDC is going to press this button.”
Ugandan politics extends beyond the streets and parliament it thrives in the chaotic world of social media where accusations, memes and political cartoons shape public perception.
Amuriat became the latest target when cartoonist Spire Jim depicted him sipping yellow juice a color associated with President Museveni’s ruling party, the NRM. That Amuriat is a closet NRM sympathizer or a compromised opposition leader.
However, Amuriat brushed off the mockery. “I don’t care about it because that’s not me,” he stated, dismissing claims that he has sold out to the ruling party.
Still, this cartoon has struck a nerve with many as Ugandans remain skeptical of political figures switching allegiances behind closed doors.
FDC’s internal disputes over party funds, past negotiations with the government and power struggles have only fueled these suspicions.
Amuriat’s statements expose a growing identity crisis within Uganda’s opposition movement.
While Museveni remains the common enemy, opposition parties are deeply divided on strategy, alliances and trust.
FDC, once the face of opposition politics now finds itself in an awkward position too big to be ignored yet sidelined by newer players like Bobi Wine’s NUP.
With a mysterious “button” about to be pressed, social media wars raging and opposition alliances hanging by a thread, one thing is clear Uganda’s political drama is far from over.
The next few weeks may determine whether the opposition unites for a common goal or continues down the path of internal sabotage and fragmentation.
