FDC Katonga Faction Takes Steps to Form New Political Party: PFF

On August 27, 2024, the Katonga Road faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), led by key opposition figures such as Dr. Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago, officially initiated the process to register a new political party, the “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF).

This move comes after a significant split within the FDC, with the Katonga faction accusing the current FDC leadership at Najjanankumbi of betraying the party’s core values.

The group set a six-month timeline to unveil this new entity and also called for the dissolution of the FDC, as well as the extension of the current leadership’s tenure to oversee this transition.

The faction submitted an official letter to the Independent Electoral Commission, requesting the reservation of the name, colors, symbol, and slogan for their new party. The PFF’s official colors will be white and royal blue, with a phone symbol representing the party and the slogan “Freedom for All – All for Freedom.”

The submission was led by prominent members, including Ingrid Turinawe, Wafula Oguttu, and other notable figures who are part of this breakaway faction. They expressed their commitment to establishing the PFF as a major political player in Uganda, with a focus on restoring what they view as the true spirit of opposition in the country.

The PFF seeks to challenge the existing power structures and offer an alternative to the current political dynamics within the opposition.

Meanwhile, the Najjanankumbi faction of the FDC has strongly opposed this move, calling it illegitimate and not in line with the FDC constitution.

During an emergency press conference at Najjanankumbi, Amuriat criticized Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, FDC Founding President Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, and other Katonga leaders, labeling them as “political failures.” He claimed that their membership in the party is invalid, as they have not renewed it within the past four years, according to party records.

“These jokers from Katonga, who haven’t renewed their membership for the last four years, have no legal standing or authority to make any decisions on behalf of the party,” Amuriat asserted.

The Electoral Commission will now review the submission to ensure it meets all legal requirements before the PFF can begin collecting the necessary signatures to formalize its registration as a political party.