(Kampala) – The Katonga faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has decided to give the Electoral Commission (EC) the political equivalent of a “Thanks, but no thanks” card. Despite the EC’s suggestions, the breakaway group insists on keeping their new party’s name and colors, proving once again that Ugandan politics can be as stubborn as a goat in a cassava patch.
Mr. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, spokesperson for the Katonga faction, was as defiant as a seasoned village chief who refuses to heed modern farming advice. In a phone interview with the press, he made it clear that they had no intention of bowing to the EC’s September 4 letter. He insisted their party, named the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), will not be changing its name or colors, despite the EC’s best efforts to play party fashion police.
The EC had issued a letter pointing out that the PFF’s name closely resembles the already reserved People Power Front (PPF), a detail they believe could lead to confusion among the electorate.
Leonard Mulekwah, EC secretary, added that the colors chosen by the PFF—white and royal blue—look a bit too similar to those used by the FDC. This must be a tough job for the EC, keeping track of all these shades of blue like they are in a high stakes fashion show.
Table: Comparison of Party Colors
| Party | Main Color | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FDC | Blue, Red, Yellow | Common shades of blue |
| PFF | White, Royal Blue | New entry, similar blue |
| NUP | Blue | Different shade |
| Justice Forum | Blue | Different shade |
| UPC | Blue | Blue in mix |
Mr. Ssemujju’s response was as dismissive as a village elder ignoring gossip. He argued that the EC’s concerns were unfounded. “The FDC has blue, red, and yellow. We are using a different shade of blue,” he said. “And blue is like rice; everyone has it. NUP has blue, Justice Forum has blue, and UPC has blue. We are not reinventing the wheel here.”
He also pointed out what he perceived as a double standard from the EC. “They have registered parties like the Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party, and somehow, that is not confusing. But our blue is apparently too close to FDC’s? It’s as if the EC is playing favorites or has some sort of color blindness,” he quipped.
Despite the EC’s attempt at guiding the PFF through the registration maze, Mr. Ssemujju and his faction said they are holding their ground. They have responded to the EC’s letter, making it clear that they will be sticking to their proposed name and colors like a stubborn mule refusing to move from its favorite spot in the village square.
