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Some of the members of PFF talking to press on the day they submitted their request to reserve the party name
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By Our Reporter
With the general elections only 15 months away, former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and his allies face challenges as their attempt to register a new political party has hit a roadblock. The Electoral Commission (EC) rejected their proposed name for the new party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), due to concerns over its similarity to existing parties.
The PFF backers, led by lawyer Samuel Wanda, had applied to the EC to reserve the name, setting the stage for the formation of their party ahead of the 2026 elections. Ingrid Turinawe, one of the PFF promoters, emphasized that they were seeking a new political direction. “As members tired of the FDC, we have taken a new path of starting a new family and have embarked on the journey to register our party before the 2026 elections,” she said.
However, in a letter dated September 4, the EC rejected the reservation of the name, citing potential confusion with existing parties. The commission noted that the PFF’s name, colors, and symbols closely resembled those of other registered parties, including the People Power Front (PPF).
The letter, signed by EC secretary Leonard Mulekwah, explained that the Political Parties and Organisations Act requires full descriptions of a party’s symbols and colors during registration. The submission by the PFF proponents, however, was deemed incomplete. Mulekwah pointed out that the proposed colors (white and royal blue) and symbol (a phone) lacked sufficient description and were too similar to the FDC’s identity.
“The submission for the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) closely resembles an already reserved party name, People Power Front (PPF), which is likely to confuse the public,” Mulekwah wrote.
He also highlighted section 8 of the Political Parties Act, which prohibits the use of a name, color, or initials of an existing political party, further emphasizing the need for the PFF group to comply with these regulations.
Among the PFF promoters are prominent figures like former Leader of Opposition Wafula Ogutu, former Kioga County MP Ojok B’ Leo, and former FDC women’s league chairperson Ingrid Turinawe.
Some of the Leaders of FDC Katonga faction
The EC’s decision is viewed as a setback by some political analysts. Henry Kasacca, a political analyst, advised the PFF group to engage with the EC to resolve the issues. “They have to go back and find a way... They should find another name and proceed,” he said.
Dr. Sarah Bireete, executive director at the Centre for Constitutional Governance, remarked that while political parties should not monopolize colors, there needs to be a clear distinction between them. She pointed out that the National Unity Platform and Uganda People’s Congress both use red, but they distinguish themselves through other elements of their identity.
One of the PFF proponents indicated that the EC’s concerns had already been addressed. The EC spokesperson, Julius Mucunguzi, confirmed that the PFF group had submitted a response and has six months to complete the registration process.
Besigye and his allies parted ways with the FDC faction led by Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Nathan Nandala Mafabi over allegations of irregular financing from the National Resistance Movement. The dispute has led to a rift within the party, with the Nandala-Amuriat faction dismissing Besigye’s accusations as “mere drama.”
Torch Media Africa
