The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Patrick Amuriat, has said neither he nor the party leadership will attend next week’s presidential swearing-in ceremony despite receiving an invitation from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)Amuriat
made the remarks while addressing an ongoing FDC retreat at Mountain Inn Hotel in Buikwe District, where party leaders are meeting to strategize ahead of the 12th Parliament.
The retreat attracted the party’s nine newly elected Members of Parliament, top party leaders and opinion leaders. According to the party, the gathering is intended to equip leaders with skills necessary for effective debate and representation despite the FDC’s reduced numbers in Parliament.
Amuriat described the invitation to attend the swearing-in ceremony as a mockery to the opposition, saying the recently concluded 2026 general elections were marred by intimidation and fraud.
Although Yoweri Museveni was declared winner of the 2026 presidential election with 71 percent of the vote, Amuriat said the FDC does not recognize the outcome.“We don’t respect the outcome of the election.
The build-up to the elections themselves was conducted in harsh conditions and therefore Mr. Museveni is forcing himself onto the people of Uganda,” Amuriat said.
He added that the FDC would not participate in what he termed as efforts to legitimize Museveni’s next term in office.“We are not going to be part of the group that will add credence to the next five years of Mr. Museveni’s rule.
Our position as FDC is that we will not attend the swearing-in at Kololo because there is nothing to celebrate about a win that is being forced onto the people,” he added. Amuriat further accused the NRM of inviting opposition leaders to the ceremony as a public relations strategy aimed at portraying Uganda as democratic before the international community.
“For me, I think it is an NRM stunt. Remember on the 12th there are going to be diplomats at Kololo, international media will be there and Mr. Museveni will pose as a democrat, which he is not,” he said.
On the issue of national reconciliation, Amuriat said the FDC remains open to dialogue but insisted that any reconciliation process must be genuine and driven by the government.
“As far as reconciliation is concerned, FDC is open to dialogue, but one that is respectful, serious and where all parties are equal partners and not subordinate partners,” he said. He added that the party supports a truth-telling and justice process before reconciliation can be achieved. “We have always talked about a truth-telling process, justice and reconciliation.
FDC has always aspired for a commission where truth-telling is done before justice is dispensed and reconciliation achieved,” Amuriat noted.The FDC president also hinted at retiring from active politics, saying the party needs younger leaders to take over and strengthen its future.
“We have one and a half years to prepare the way for new leaders. We have identified potential leaders. This party needs fresh legs and fresh blood,” he said.Meanwhile, Joan Achom urged party members to uphold integrity and moral leadership in the 12th Parliament.
Achom said the FDC was founded on strong moral principles that have enabled its members to withstand intimidation and political pressure. “The electorate is watching us closely. Leaders must prioritize service above self regardless of the circumstances,” she said. URN