The Electoral Commission (EC) has given the green light to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a new political movement led by Dr. Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, to begin collecting signatures in support of its formal registration as a political party. This move is seen as a significant step towards solidifying the party’s presence in Uganda’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The PFF emerged from a split within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which Besigye previously led. The breakaway group accused the FDC leadership, based at Najjanakumbi, of receiving questionable funding from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the 2021 elections. Notable figures in the new party include Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, a vocal supporter of Besigye.
In September, the EC postponed PFF’s registration, citing procedural issues. The group had earlier requested that the EC reserve the party’s desired name, colors, symbols, and slogan. However, the EC responded with concerns over potential confusion, particularly regarding the party’s name and its similarities to “People Power Front” (PPF), which had already been reserved by another group. The PFF’s proposed colors, white and royal blue, also resembled those of the FDC, which could further confuse the public.
EC Secretary Leonard Mulekwah, in a letter dated August 17, 2024, outlined these concerns. He pointed out that the PFF’s submission did not fully describe the proposed symbols and colors and advised the group to comply with the Political Parties and Organizations Act.
Following continued discussions, the EC issued a clearance letter on October 2, 2024, allowing the PFF to begin collecting signatures. The letter was addressed to all district authorities and signed by Mulekwah. It introduced the promoters of PFF and outlined the legal framework governing political party registration in Uganda. Article 72(1) of the 1995 Constitution guarantees the right to form political parties, and Section 7 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2005, requires any new party to collect signatures from at least 50 members in two-thirds of Uganda’s districts.
The EC further clarified that the signature collection exercise must be completed by January 3, 2025, giving the PFF promoters a three-month window to gather the required support. The registration process itself is expected to take up to six months, in accordance with Section 7(11) of the Political Parties and Organizations Act.
The PFF’s registration marks a new chapter in Uganda’s political environment, particularly with Besigye, a key opposition figure, once again stepping onto the political stage. The PFF leadership is optimistic about meeting the legal requirements and establishing itself as a formidable force ahead of the 2026 elections.
