The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has officially gazetted the application for the registration of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a political party formed by members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction. This marks a significant step towards the formalization of the faction as an independent political entity, following years of internal wrangling within the FDC.
The gazette notice, published on Friday and signed by EC Chairperson Simon Mugenyi Byabakama, calls on the public to raise any objections to the PFF’s registration within 14 days. “Any person who has any grounds for opposing this application should do so within 14 days from the date of this Gazette notice,” the EC stated.
The PFF emerged from a deepening rift within the FDC, which intensified after the 2021 general elections. A faction led by former party president Dr. Kizza Besigye accused current FDC president Patrick Amuriat Oboi and Secretary General Nathan Nandala-Mafabi of accepting campaign funds from President Yoweri Museveni—allegations they have denied.
As tensions escalated, the FDC effectively split into two camps: one based at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, and the other operating from Katonga Road in Kampala, under the ideological and strategic influence of Dr. Besigye. The Katonga faction appointed Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as its interim president and initiated the process to establish the PFF as a new political party.
According to Lukwago, the PFF will use a mobile handset as its party symbol, adopt white and royal blue as its official colours, and rally under the slogan: “Freedom for all, and all for freedom.” However, this has stirred concern within the FDC, which has objected to the use of blue, arguing it may confuse voters since blue is already associated with the FDC.
Lukwago previously accused the Electoral Commission of dragging its feet on the registration process, claiming delays were undermining their preparations for the 2026 general elections. Last week, he informed supporters that all necessary documentation had been submitted and they were now awaiting final approval from the EC
If fully approved, the PFF will become the third political party to break away from the FDC. The first was the Uganda Federal Alliance, led by Beti Kamya—now the Inspector General of Government—and the second was the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), founded by former FDC president Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu.
