Opposition politicians under the United Forces of Change (UFC) group have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the “declining” state of democracy and governance in the country.
At a joint press conference held at Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Katonga Road office in Kampala, they urged Ugandans to rise and fight for their rights.
These also publicized their intentions to express dissatisfaction with a range of activities to be undertaken including a planned demonstration slated for Thursday 22 January 2023.
In a conference attended by distinguished figures, including National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction president Erias Lukwago, former FDC leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leaders led by Winnie Kiiza.
Representatives from the Uganda People’s Congress, the Democratic Party, the Congress Party, and the PPP were also present.
Security personnel in uniform and non-uniform were visible with some routes to the offices partially closed. However, this did not stop the intended conference from proceeding.
Presenting a joint statement, ANT program coordinator Winnie Kiiza called for national unity and collective action to end what she described as a “reign of terror” characterized by a sinking economy, poor public services, military trials of political opponents, crumbling infrastructure, and human rights violations.
Kizza emphasized that the struggle for change requires collaboration from religious leaders, professionals, civil society organizations, and the wider Ugandan population.
Kiiza further revealed the UFC’s plan for various activities aimed at bringing about change. These include highlighting the country’s poor infrastructure to a visiting delegation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) leaders later in the week. This initiative will involve symbolically planting banana trees in the potholes on the city roads.