Amuriat Complains About FDC Being Excluded From Opposition's Besigye Resolution
The leaders also opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, arguing that the General Court Martial lacks jurisdiction and is structurally biased.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has criticised its exclusion from opposition activities, with party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat describing it as a deliberate attempt to sideline the group in the fight for democratic freedoms.
In a post shared on X, formerly Twitter, Amuriat revealed that the party was not invited to key opposition engagements, accusing organizers of seeking to isolate the FDC from the broader opposition movement.
“FDC weren’t invited. Clearly, we are the unwanted opposition group in pursuit of freedom. No matter what, we will move on by ourselves,” Amuriat stated.
Amuriat also distanced the party from Erias Lukwago, Kampala Lord Mayor, noting that Lukwago does not represent the party in its political strategy.
“Erias Lukwago doesn’t represent us,” he said.
Amuriat’s remarks come as opposition groups intensify criticism of the arrest and military court trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya Lutale.
On Monday, opposition leaders convened at Parliament and issued a joint statement condemning the duo’s abduction from Kenya on November 16 and their subsequent trial in Uganda’s General Court Martial.
The statement criticized the arrests as a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and international law, describing them as “a complete disregard for domestic, regional, and global legal frameworks.”
The leaders also opposed the trial of civilians in military courts, arguing that the General Court Martial lacks jurisdiction and is structurally biased.
“The General Court Martial cannot offer a free and fair trial. Its processes are fundamentally biased and contravene Uganda’s Constitutional Court rulings prohibiting the trial of civilians in military courts,” the statement read.
The opposition called on Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo and the Supreme Court to transfer all politically motivated cases involving civilians to competent courts.
They also demanded the immediate dismissal of charges against Besigye and Kamulegeya or, alternatively, their trial in civilian courts.
“Military courts in Uganda are inherently biased and lack the independence and impartiality required for fair trials,” the opposition added.
The joint statement, signed by representatives from the National Unity Platform (NUP), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and Justice Forum (JEEMA), among others, demanded justice for Besigye and Kamulegeya.
Besigye and Kamulegeya had been attending a book launch in Kenya before their incommunicado detention and forced return to Uganda.
Their charges, which include unlawful possession of firearms, carry the possibility of a death sentence, drawing widespread criticism from human rights groups and legal experts.
