In a significant political development, the Electoral Commission (EC) has granted the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) permission to gather signatures in support of their quest to register as an official political party. This marks a major step forward for the group, whose leadership includes prominent political figures like former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye, and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago.

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) was formed by individuals who became disillusioned with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The split arose after accusations that the FDC leadership had received irregular campaign funding from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). This internal friction within the FDC led key members, such as Dr. Besigye and vocal Kira Municipality Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, to break away and establish the PFF.

Back in September 2024, the EC delayed PFF’s registration as a political party, casting doubt over its ability to contest in Uganda’s 2026 general elections. The delay came after the EC cited various technicalities in PFF’s initial application. The PFF had previously requested that the EC reserve their chosen name, colors, symbols, and slogan, but this request ran into multiple obstacles.

One of the most significant issues was the similarity between PFF’s proposed name and another political group known as the People Power Front (PPF). EC officials expressed concern that the closeness of the two names could potentially confuse the electorate. Additionally, the choice of PFF’s colors—white and royal blue—was deemed too similar to those of the FDC, further complicating the approval process.

In a letter from EC Secretary Leonard Mulekwah dated August 17, 2024, the commission pointed out these discrepancies. Mulekwah’s letter highlighted that the PFF’s submission lacked sufficient detail, particularly regarding the description of their chosen colors and symbols. He also emphasized that the name People’s Front for Freedom bore a striking resemblance to the already reserved People Power Front, which could lead to public confusion.

Mulekwah urged the PFF to adhere to the Political Parties and Organizations Act, which governs the registration process for new political entities. However, despite these setbacks, the PFF leadership remained determined to move forward with their plans.

After weeks of behind-the-scenes negotiations and further discussions with the EC, the PFF finally received clearance to begin the signature collection process. This approval came in the form of a letter dated October 2, 2024, which was once again signed by Leonard Mulekwah and addressed to all district authorities in Uganda. The letter formally introduced the PFF to local officials and authorized the group to collect signatures in line with legal requirements.

In his communication, Mulekwah reminded the PFF of the constitutional right to form political parties, as outlined in Article 72(1) of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. He also referenced Section 7 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act of 2005, which mandates that any new political party seeking registration must submit a list of at least 50 members from two-thirds of Uganda’s districts.

The EC’s letter also outlined the timeline for PFF’s signature collection campaign, stating that the group has until January 3, 2025, to fulfill the legal requirements for registration. Mulekwah made it clear that the EC would process the party’s registration within six months, as stipulated by law.

“This is to request you render to the promoters of People’s Front for Freedom any possible assistance to enable them to fulfill the requirements of the law,” Mulekwah wrote, effectively giving the green light for local officials to assist PFF organizers in their signature-gathering efforts.

The approval to gather signatures is a significant win for PFF leaders like Dr. Besigye and Erias Lukwago, both of whom are well-known political figures in Uganda. Besigye, in particular, has been a long-standing critic of the ruling NRM government, and his involvement in the formation of PFF signals a continued push for political reform in the country.

With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the PFF’s next steps will be closely watched. Should the party successfully gather the required signatures and complete the registration process, it will likely position itself as a key player in Uganda’s political landscape.