The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a political formation initiated by jailed veteran opposition leader Col (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye, has officially been published in the Uganda Gazette—putting to rest rumors that it had not met registration requirements ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Speaking on Friday evening from the party’s offices on Katonga Road, PFF Electoral Commission Chairperson Michael Kabaziguruka, alongside Secretary General Harold Kaija and other party members, confirmed that the gazetting marks significant progress toward full registration.
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“We received confirmation from the Electoral Commission and now hold a hard copy of the gazette. This development affirms that we’ve met the necessary criteria to register as a political party,” Kabaziguruka said. “We expect the official registration certificate after the 14-day gazette period, as outlined by the law.”
Under the Political Parties and Organizations Act, the EC is required to publish a notice of any party’s registration application in the Gazette within 30 days of receipt, inviting public objections within a 14-day period based on the party’s name, objectives, or constitution.
Kaija hailed the gazettement as a major achievement.
“Some doubted our ability to register, but we knew the hurdles and prepared thoroughly. There were even suggestions to register under different party names, but we chose transparency,” he stated.
Kabaziguruka added that the interim leadership is continuing to mobilize support while awaiting the official registration certificate.
“We’re moving forward. Once we obtain the certificate, we’ll officially launch the party, form structures, and hold leadership elections through a delegates’ conference. For now, we all serve in acting capacities,” he said.
He encouraged Ugandans to join what he called the “freedom network,” revealing that the party’s symbol is a mobile phone, symbolizing constant connectivity with the people.
Earlier in the week, party officials had told the media that all registration procedures had been completed and only awaited publication in the Gazette.
Philip Wafula Oguttu, head of PFF’s steering committee, stated that the EC had confirmed their compliance with all legal requirements and promised the gazettement would happen within the week.
“We’ve fulfilled every requirement. We’re calling on members to find candidates to represent the party and to recruit more supporters,” he said during a press briefing.
Interim party president Erias Lukwago emphasized that the movement is unstoppable. “PFF is like a plane on the runway—there’s no turning back. All that’s left is to take off,” he remarked.
However, the Electoral Commission clarified that the registration process was not yet fully completed. EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the application would be gazetted only upon submission of all required documentation.
Background
The People’s Front for Freedom emerged from a faction that split from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), after accusing party leaders Patrick Amuriat and Nathan Nandala Mafabi of accepting illicit funds from President Museveni during the 2021 elections—an allegation both leaders have denied.
In August of the previous year, this group held a national delegates’ meeting in Kampala, where they resolved to form a new party aimed at challenging Museveni’s hold on power.
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