FDC threatens to boycott 2021 polls

Opposition political party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have said they are considering boycotting the 2021 General Election but a final decision will be made by the party’s top organ this week.

Speaking at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi yesterday, the FDC deputy spokesperson, Mr John Kikonyogo, said the party will have a meeting later this week to discuss, among other things, the final position on whether to shun or participate in the elections.

“From December 14 to 15 this year as NEC (National Executive Committee) members, we are going to discuss the health of the party. We are going to discuss whether to participate in the 2021 elections or not,” Mr Kikonyogo said.

When asked about the reasons for the impending boycott, Mr Kikonyogo declined to comment saying such matters can only be raised during the NEC meeting.

At the meeting scheduled for Friday and Saturday, the FDC chairperson, general treasurer and the president, will update members on the overall financial and political status of the party as the year comes to a close.

Mr Kikonyogo also cautioned police not to block the party meeting like they have done with previous meetings.
“We are fed up with police always blocking us yet we take the initiative to notify them,” Mr Kikonyogo said.

He said FDC officials are planning to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister, DR Ruhakana Rugunda, over continued harassment by security forces on party officials and supporters.

“We don’t want police to take us for granted. Some of our members are trying to seek a meeting with the Prime Minister. Let them allow us celebrate our anniversary,” Mr Kikonyogo said.

The meeting is purposed to ask the Prime Minister to lobby government and police not to frustrate the party’s 15th anniversary celebrations scheduled at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

“If they (government) don’t want multiparty system, let them tell us and we know. If they don’t want FDC, let them ban it,” Mr Kikonyogo charged.

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