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PPF Chairperson Misango Musa, Sec Gen. Spatan Achiles Mukagi, and Chairman Central Uganda Robert Rutaro chanting slogans of NUP at the launch at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
Discontented members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have taken a bold step by registering a new political party, the People Power Front (PPF), as an alternative political force in Uganda.
This development follows internal conflicts within NUP, particularly between party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and former opposition leader Mathias Mpuuga, who has reportedly been working on forming the Democratic Alliance (DA) ahead of the 2026 general elections. Mpuuga's next political move remains uncertain as he gauges his relevance among Ugandans.
PPF Chairperson Misango Musa, Sec Gen. Spatan Achiles Mukagi, and Chairman Central Uganda Robert Rutaro crafting plan to unseat NUP in Buganda at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Formation of PPF
Dissatisfied NUP members petitioned the Electoral Commission (EC) to register PPF, a party with similar slogans, symbols, and the red beret—icons synonymous with NUP, Uganda’s largest opposition party.
The PPF was launched by Robert Rutaro, a Kampala-based lawyer from Elgon Advocates and a university lecturer. Rutaro, who has taught at Uganda Christian University (UCU) Mukono and Kampala International University (KIU), claims he was sidelined from NUP leadership when Kyagulanyi aligned with Moses Nkonge Kibalama to register NUP for the 2021 general elections.
At a press conference held at Mestil Hotel in Makindye, Kampala, on April 3, 2025, Rutaro insisted that PPF should not be mistaken for NUP, accusing Kyagulanyi’s party of illegally using their symbols.
"No one had ever registered PPF with the EC. Kyagulanyi was part of this movement but abandoned us to work with Kibalama, who later formed NUP. They took our party regalia, including our slogan ‘People Power – Our Power’ and the clenched fist symbol embedded in Uganda’s map," Rutaro claimed.
PPF's political agenda
Initially rejected by the EC due to similarities with existing parties, PPF was officially established on December 20, 2023, under interim Secretary-General Spartan Achilles Mukagi and has since been gaining traction.
Mukagi, formerly an NUP liaison officer, criticized the current opposition for identity politics, smear campaigns, and leadership cultism.
"Instead of addressing Uganda’s real issues, the opposition is entangled in sectarian politics and disillusionment. We are here to offer real solutions instead of merely blaming President Museveni for 39 years of NRM rule without a proper alternative," Mukagi stated.
Kampala City prominent lawyer with the Elgon Advocates and university lecturer, Robert Rutaro unveiling the red beret that was registered as party symbol in elections. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Opposition to sectarian politics
Interim PPF Chairperson Hajj Misango Musa Tribal condemned Uganda’s political landscape for being deeply divided along ethnic lines, which he accused the ruling NRM of exploiting.
"President Museveni has used ethnic divisions to weaken the opposition. Even Kyagulanyi has structured NUP along tribal lines, something we intend to change," Musa emphasized.
PPF, he added, will focus on peace, security, national unity, economic development, and democratic governance.
Meanwhile, John Mulamba, a party member, revealed that PPF has mobilized over 50 members per district and will soon embark on a nationwide campaign to launch regional offices.
"We aim to restore faith in democracy, which has steadily declined with every election Uganda holds," Mulamba said.
NUP hits back at critics
Responding to the allegations, NUP Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro dismissed claims that NUP had stolen party slogans and symbols.
"We were the first to register ‘People Power – Our Power’ under Article 1.3 (identity of the party) in our constitution. The EC approved our colors—Red, White, and Navy-Blue—and our umbrella symbol," Mufumbiro clarified.
He further dismissed PPF’s founders as “self-seekers who believe Ugandans are still trapped in the old National Resistance Army (NRA) politics of the 1980s.”
Other new political parties
PPF's registration adds to a growing list of new political parties awaiting EC approval ahead of the 2026 elections. These include:
Whether these parties will make an impact remains to be seen as Uganda's political landscape continues to evolve.
Torch Media Africa
