Amuriat Slams Opposition for FDC Exclusion in Besigye Case Talks.

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Patrick Oboi Amuriat has expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s exclusion from key opposition activities, calling it a deliberate effort to sideline them in the fight for democratic freedoms.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Amuriat disclosed that the FDC was not invited to a significant opposition meeting, accusing organizers of isolating the party. "FDC wasn’t invited. Clearly, we are the unwanted opposition group in pursuit of freedom. No matter what, we will move on by ourselves," he wrote.

Amuriat also distanced the party from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, emphasizing that Lukwago does not represent the FDC's political strategies. "Erias Lukwago doesn’t represent us," he added.

The remarks coincided with heightened opposition criticism of the arrest and military court trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya Lutale. On Monday, opposition leaders gathered at Parliament to issue a joint statement condemning the abduction of the two from Kenya on November 16 and their subsequent trial in Uganda’s General Court Martial.

The statement labeled the arrests a violation of Kenya's sovereignty and international law, accusing Uganda of disregarding domestic, regional, and global legal frameworks. The leaders argued that the General Court Martial lacks the jurisdiction and impartiality needed for fair trials, calling for politically motivated cases involving civilians to be transferred to competent civilian courts.

“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 joint statement, signed by representatives from the National Unity Platform (NUP), People’s Progressive Party (PPP), and Justice Forum (JEEMA), demanded the immediate dismissal of charges against Besigye and Kamulegeya or their transfer to civilian courts. They also urged Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo and the Supreme Court to ensure justice in such cases.

Besigye and Kamulegeya, who had been attending a book launch in Kenya, face charges of unlawful possession of firearms in Uganda, which carry the possibility of a death sentence. Human rights groups and legal experts have widely criticized the arrests and trial.