{UAH} The man driving change at Forum for democractic change

Opinion: 

*NO D---HEADS POLICY; The man driving change at Forum for democractic change*

            By

Nathan Kikku Mubiru

Tired of the party at mercy of problem politicians, SG Nathan James Nandala Mafabi had only one edict on membership when he took charge 8 years ago. 

Forum for democractic change had just been through an internal election when the key party's decision makers had assembled in the Namboole nerve center unaware at that stage  there would be an even more bruising election to follow. 

After, Mugisha Muntu finally agreed to abandon the party, the green light was given to Col. Kiza Besigye, with whom he had kept bickering as far back as 2005. The FDC senior members Kiza Besigye, Wasswa Birigwa, Patrick Oboi Amuriat who had effectively undermined Gen. Muntu's leadership were present along with Ingrid Turinawe, publicity secretary Ssemujju Nganda Ibrahim Ssemujju and his deputy. In the background sat Nathan James Nandala Mafabi.

The FDC secretary general was not there to interfere. "Nathan never inputted on election decisions but wanted to make sure he understood why they were made" one source with knowledge of the process noted. 

Or in this specific case why FDC was ready to let Gen. Muntu and his accomplices leave, not least he was the one who would be incharge of the secretariat and would be going to ask Muntu to loosen the anger strings.

"Nathan exerted just the right level of accountability, which is the Secretary general's job" another source said. 

Tired of seeing the party at the mercy of troublemakers and problem politicians, Nathan had one edict on membership to FDC as part of his moves to reshape the party's value: "No d---heads", he would tell everyone.

He was central to party's fundraising for the 2021 election but he's also a principled man. Extra money was collected and mobilized some through bank loans on the understanding that upon defeating the dictatorship, payment would be effected and it is Nathan who was reminding Besigye of this when the former presidential candidate was privately angling for Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine's bid who ended up dramatizing the struggle for change. "He's pretty good at managing those tensions" a source said.0

Indeed the most fundamental0 change in the eight years since Nathan took office has been the sharp shift in power away from the party's swanky Katonga defiance offices back to the Najjanankumbi and the empowerment of key department heads, notably those running the party's politics. Oboi, Birigwa and their teams now have autonomy to dictate political matters,free from influence of a small pose of corporate financiers, founder members and the results have been clear for all to see.

And at the same time Nathan who based himself out of Najjanankumbi and lives a short drive away in kyambogo, became the visible presence on ground at office. "The biggest single change is FDC is now run on an axis between Najjanankumbi and Kyambogo where previously it was a triangle with the most powerful element in Katonga" said one insider. Or as another source put it less charitably: "It's a silly SG who puts himself in an Ivory tower away from his people".

Although an alpha male in some regard, Nathan is not a shouter or someone prone to losing his temper. Outside perception of an obnoxious figure head tend to be hastily redrawn once people have met him. Numerous FDC staff have commented he has always listened, runs an open door policy and "will take the mickey out of himself or hold his arms up when he is wrong" His lack of ego has also been noted and he believes he can only be as good as the team around him. Others have come to appreciate his personal touch and accessibility, Nathan for example was serving food  in his constituency and is fond of mixing with his constituents. If he doesn't like something, though, he will be sure to tell people. 

Those familiar with Nathan say he doesn't believe they have achieved anything yet and any praise will only be warranted if and when the party reclaims the struggle for change and overthrow the Museveni regime. 

Going forward, Nathan now face a challenge to ensure FDC plans are not undermined or distracted by the Katonga group potential breakaway particularly if it becomes drawn out. He must also do that knowing that there's no guarantee over his position should the Katonga group stay put. 

Nathan Kikku Mubiru

0762030660/ 0750123446.

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