FDC to drop Latigo, Wadri
Gerald Bareebe
Kampala
The National Executive Council of the opposition Forum for Democratic yesterday
resolved to review the performance of its leadership in Parliament as a
proposal was floated to replace Prof. Ogenga Latigo as leader of the
Opposition, and Mr Kassiano Wadri, as chief whip.
The decision may bring to an end the political roles of the two MPs in these
critical positions less than three years after they took office.
The decision was arrived at during the Nec meeting at FDC headquarters in
Najjanankumbi. Chaired by party president Kizza Besigye, the Nec resolved that
a reshuffle in the opposition leadership should take place before Parliament
breaks off for recess on December 17.
The Nec comprises MPs, chairpersons and vice chairpersons of regions, including
all national chairpersons and their deputies of the different party leagues.
A source that attended the six-hour closed door meeting told Daily Monitor last
evening that Aruu County MP Odonga Otto queried the performance of the
opposition MPs, telling colleagues that current leadership "is as incompetent
as our NRM counterparts who only enjoy driving expensive cars and pocketing
allowances."
According to the source who asked for anonymity because he is not authorised to
speak on behalf of the party, Mr Otto reportedly said, "Our current leadership
in Parliament has not performed to our expectations."
His statement drew stiff resistance from some quarters led by Mr Wadri and
Tororo County MP Geoffrey Ekanya, who protested the idea of the Nec choosing
new opposition leaders, and argued that was the work of the FDC parliamentary
caucus.
The source said Mr Otto was supported by Kasilo County MP Elijah Okupa, Bugweri
MP Abdul Katuntu and Aswa MP Reagan Okumu.
Prof. Latigo did not attend the meeting, the source said.
Ms Salaam Musumba, the FDC Vice chairperson and Rubaga North MP Beti Kamya were
also absent.
The Nec, however, resolved to task Mr Latigo to submit performance reviews of
every opposition shadow minister, to the party's steering committee so that a
date to elect new leaders can be set.
Mr Wadri admitted yesterday that the performance of some shadow ministers was
"wanting" but said it was healthy that his position and that of Prof. Latigo
have been put under scrutiny.
"It's true some of their performances have been wanting," Mr Wadri said by
telephone yesterday.
"We joined this Parliament when our multiparty democracy was young. If they
want to replace me I am ready to give way to others who can take it up, it's
healthy and normal," he added.
Prof. Latigo was unavailable for comment and did not answer repeated calls.
The position of Leader of Opposition is constitutional, and is elected by the
opposition party with the biggest number of MPs.
The FDC has 38 MPs out of 59 opposition seats.
Given its numerical strength, it also has the power of determining who makes it
to the shadow cabinet.
There are 21 ministers in the shadow cabinet, excluding the leader of
Opposition and opposition chief whip.
The Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy"
Groupe de communication Mulindwas
"avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie"_______________________________________________
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