Five former members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) who deserted ahead of the general elections in 2006 have re-applied to join the opposition party.
The deserter who now want a re-admission are: former Bungatira sub county councilor and FDC party secretary for disability Ballington Olweny Pa Ongwech, former Palaro sub county councilor Chris Owen Okoya, Nyakoker Joyce, the former Laroo division FDC chairperson, Jamesco Akena Richard the former Awach Sub county councilor and Margaret Odong, the former councilor for Vanguard parish.
They contested as independents for various positions and lost during the elections.
Chagga Oyat, the Gulu district FDC secretary says between June and July this year, his office has received letters from the various former party members requesting to join the party.
According to Oyat, the FDC party constitution allows members who stood as independent candidates to reapply and re-join the party as long as they explain why they left. Oyat said the party will welcome the former members and listen to reasons as to why they left to stand as Independents.
Tension between the former FDC party members started last year when the councilors met President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta of the National Resistance Movement party (NRM). It is alleged that the FDC councilors criticized the party leadership before they president Museveni of the NRM and reportedly received two million shillings each from the president.
Gulu district FDC party is expected to carry out elections for various positions on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
