The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, has attributed the weakening of Uganda’s opposition to the emergence and rapid rise of the National Unity Platform (NUP), warning that internal fights within newer parties have ultimately handed the ruling National Resistance Movement(NRM) an even stronger grip on power.
Speaking during a retreat for newly elected FDC Members of Parliament at Kiyindi Landing Site, Amuriat expressed concern over what he called a sharp decline in both the support base and the overall quality of opposition in Uganda. He pointed to changing political dynamics and the splintering of opposition energy as key drivers of the downturn.
“The emergence of what seemed to citizens a better alternative in the National Unity Platform not only caused a shift of support in our strongholds but also robbed us of some of our leaders and supporters, who were eventually fought and ended up losing to the NRM,” Amuriat said.
According to the FDC leader, NUP initially attracted a wave of political leaders, supporters, and financiers who were seeking a fresh alternative. However, he argued that the party ultimately disappointed its followers due to intra-party fights fueled by ego, poor internal governance, and a lack of leadership experience.
“Instead of strengthening the opposition, NUP’s rise led to fights within the opposition ranks, giving the NRM space to take over traditional opposition strongholds,” Amuriat added.
His remarks come in the wake of the 15th January 2026 general elections, in which incumbent Yoweri Museveni was declared winner on January 17 with 7,946,772 votes, representing 71.65% of valid ballots cast. That margin marked Museveni’s highest victory in three decades.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) also cemented its control over Parliament, securing 379 out of 529 seats in the 12th Parliament—accounting for 70.3% of total representation. An additional 68 seats were won by independent candidates described as NRM-leaning, further shrinking the opposition’s legislative footprint.
Amuriat called on opposition parties to re-strategize and prioritize unity, warning that continued fragmentation would only cement single-party dominance. “We must learn from these lessons. The opposition cannot afford to fight itself and expect to win,” he said.
Despite his party’s reduced parliamentary presence, Amuriat urged the newly elected FDC legislators to remain active and vocal in Parliament, particularly on national issues such as political transition and governance reforms.
“Debates about transition in this country will be central in the 12th Parliament. Despite your small number, you must put up a spirited fight it is not the size of the dog that matters, but the size of the fight in the dog,” he emphasized.
The retreat, which brought together FDC’s top leadership and incoming legislators, also focused on strategies to rebuild grassroots structures, restore confidence among supporters, and reclaim lost political ground.
