Kampala. The Forum for Democratic Change(FDC) as fired its Deputy President Joyce Ssebugwawo after her acceptance of a ministerial post from President Yoweri Museveni.
” I can confirm that she (Ssebugwawo) has accepted the appointment and as a result has offended Article 12 of the FDC Constitution. She ceases to be a member of FDC and has voluntarily relinquished her position as Deputy President,” FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat said in a statement on Friday.
Mrs Ssebugwawo was appointed State minister for Information and National Guidance in the new cabinet announced this week.
On face value, Ssebugwawo has been a very committed and loyal servant of the FDC right from it’s inception 20 years ago. But critics say she turned into a spy for President Museveni.
A photo circulating on social media appearing to show her as voting for for president Museveni even stirred more debate about her loyalty to the party she helped form.
But Mr Amuriat lauded her for this remembering her commitment since FDC’s formation, growth and running of the party.
“It is this political investment that she has out of her own volition chosen to abandon especially at this time when the struggle to free this country has reach a critical stage and requires all of us. Her decision to leave the party in order to join our tormentor is purely personal and the organs of the FDC were never consulted,” Amuriat wrote expressively emotional.
He expressed optimism that FDC will remain stronger despite member departures.
“She now joins our former colleagues who earlier on parted ways with us leaving behind an even stronger party. My firm believe is that her departure although hurting the organization will not lead to our disintegration and should encourage us to even work harder in pursuit of our goals”, Amuriat said.
He cautioned unnecessary attacks on the person of Ssebugwawo as this does not add any value to the political mission and is not FDC’s culture.
A caretaker in the position formerly occupied by Ssebugwawo will be announced.
“The FDC doors remain open to you and whoever left us before just in case you may wish to return” Amuriat said.
Ssebugwawo has been heavily criticised for her decision to take a ministerial post and the public has warned she will join the likes of Betty Kamya, Nakiwala Kiyingi and Sarah Kanyike who left the opposition only to be sacked by President Museveni.
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