Written By |
Ssemuju
Search
By Milton Niinga
Leaders of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) party have expressed growing concern over persistent infighting within the opposition bloc, which they say threatens joint efforts to end the 39-year rule of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
This development comes just two days after Electoral Commission Chairman, Justice Simon Byabakama, officially gazetted the newly formed PFF party—led by former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr. Col. (Rtd.) Kiiza Besigye—on Friday last week. The move clears the way for PFF to compete with the National Unity Platform (NUP), currently the largest opposition party in Parliament.
Oguttu
While addressing a weekly press conference at the Katonga Road offices in Kampala, former Leader of the Opposition, Wafula Oguttu, said the opposition's failure to unite and present a strong front against the ruling regime is undermining efforts to bring about meaningful change in Uganda.
"When some opposition members heard that the EC had gazetted PFF last week, they began accusing us of spoiling the struggle and trying to divide NUP and other forces working to challenge President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s dictatorship," he said.
"In 2020, we saw these same internal fights. Foot soldiers are battling each other instead of focusing on the common opponent—NRM and Museveni. Why are we fighting among ourselves?" Oguttu asked.
"Why should anyone direct their anger and frustration toward another opposition force working to remove Museveni, who is our common enemy? Who are you really working for?" he wondered.
Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, also condemned the growing disunity among opposition parties, saying it plays into the ruling party’s hands and allows them to push through constitutional amendments and maintain their grip on power.
"Some of our colleagues were divided when we proposed that all opposition MPs walk out during the second reading of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bills 2025, which are scheduled for debate on Tuesday," he noted.
PFF supporters who attended the press conference singing songs of freedom demanding release of Dr Kiiza Besigye who is in prison. (Photo by Milton Niinga)
Besigye has no case to answer in court
Reacting to the trial of civilians in military courts, Ssemujju argued that Parliament should not even be considering the UPDF Bill, since the Supreme Court already ruled against such practices.
"As PFF, we condemn the detention of Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, who remain incarcerated without any evidence being presented against them. Besigye was remanded by a kangaroo military court on November 20 last year and will have served six months in jail by tomorrow, yet the Constitution guarantees him mandatory bail, which has not been granted," Ssemujju said.
"Let us all appear at Nakawa Magistrates Court on Wednesday and see whether our appeal will be considered and they will be released."
"Besigye is being persecuted like other political prisoners, yet no single piece of evidence has been presented—apart from the state requesting to access his phone records behind closed doors," he added.
"If there was no evidence, why arrest him in the first place?" he asked.
"President Museveni is asking the courts to help him find evidence against people arrested on political grounds, which violates human rights as protected by the Constitution," Ssemujju lamented.
PFF interim chairperson, Amb. Wasswa, called for unity among the opposition, urging leaders to set aside their differences and work toward the common goal of removing the current government and replacing it with one that promotes good governance, rule of law, and economic prosperity.
"One thing is certain: the future of Uganda's democracy hangs in the balance, and the opposition’s ability to work together will be crucial in determining the country’s trajectory," he urged.
PFF becomes the second party to break away from the original FDC, following the earlier formation of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) by Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Mugisha Muntu, which participated in the 2021 general elections but failed to make a significant impact.
Political analyst Charles Rwomushana said forming a new party does not guarantee victory or stop internal conflicts, especially in a political environment dominated by the police and military.
"ANT did not secure a single parliamentary seat in 2021 and has since faded from public relevance. These party fights will persist because there’s still too much greed among opposition leaders who are more focused on getting jobs than uplifting ordinary Ugandans," Rwomushana said.
Torch Media Africa
