EC approves Besigye’s breakaway party, People’s Freedom Front
Now, with approval in hand, the PFF can move forward with collecting signatures to complete its registration, a crucial step as it positions itself ahead of the 2026 general elections.
After months of persistent efforts, Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Katonga-based faction, the People’s Freedom Front (PFF), has finally secured registration approval from the Electoral Commission.
This marks a significant milestone for the party, which split from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), a party with over two decades of history in Uganda’s political landscape.
The PFF’s initial application was rejected by the Electoral Commission due to concerns over its name and color scheme being too similar to those of the People Power Front and the FDC. The Commission requested that the faction make changes to its branding to avoid potential voter confusion.
Now, with approval in hand, the PFF can move forward with collecting signatures to complete its registration, a crucial step as it positions itself ahead of the 2026 general elections. However, the Electoral Commission has made it clear that it will closely monitor the signature collection process to ensure the authenticity of submissions.
The PFF was formed following internal disputes within the FDC, with accusations that “evil money” from the ruling NRM party had been used to sow discord within the party. Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago currently serves as interim president of the PFF, alongside prominent FDC figures such as Ssemuju Nganda and Munyagwa.
While many Ugandans expected the breakaway faction to align with the National Unity Platform (NUP), the creation of the PFF has raised questions, with some political analysts suggesting it may be a strategic power move rather than a unification effort within the opposition.
