Brussels, Belgium — Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat is among global political leaders attending the ongoing International Democracy Union (IDU) Forum at AutoWorld in Brussels, according to FDC deputy spokesperson Walid Lugeba.
The IDU, a global alliance of more than 84 centre-right political parties headquartered in Munich, Germany, provides a platform for political actors to advance democratic governance, the rule of law, and international cooperation.
“President Amuriat is representing both the FDC and Uganda, reinforcing our commitment to global partnerships and democratic transformation,” Lugeba said.
Lugeba noted that during the forum, African political parties under the umbrella of the Democracy Union of Africa (DUA)—led by Ms. Louisa Attagyemung and Amuriat—voiced grave concerns over political repression across the continent. The delegation specifically called for the release of detained opposition figures, including Uganda’s Dr. Kizza Besigye and Tanzania’s Chadema Party leader, Tundu Lissu.
“These are not just isolated arrests—they reflect a wider pattern of shrinking political space in Africa,” Lugeba stated. “Our leaders urged the IDU to take a firm stance in defending the rights and freedoms of opposition leaders across the continent.”
The high-level forum also featured prominent international figures, including former UK Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Liz Truss, who represented the Conservative Party. Truss emphasized the enduring values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.
Other speakers included former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Ghana’s former President H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and former Ghanaian Vice President Dr. Mahmood Bawumia.
According to Lugeba, forum discussions centered around key global challenges such as democratic governance, economic development, infrastructure, human trafficking, migration, and the rule of law.
“The FDC continues to position itself as not only a leading political force in Uganda but also a model for democratic engagement on the international stage,” Lugeba said. “President Amuriat’s presence at this global forum underscores our vision for a democratic, united, and progressive Uganda.”
Lugeba concluded by reaffirming the FDC’s guiding principle: “One Uganda, One People.”
