The breakaway Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction has taken steps to establish a new political party by applying to the Electoral Commission to reserve the name, People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
This development signals the beginning of yet another splinter group from once Uganda’s biggest opposition party, FDC, following the reintroduction of a multiparty system.
The fragmentation of FDC began in 2019 when former party president Rtd Gen Gregory Mugisha Muntu formed the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) after leaving FDC due to irreconcilable differences. Muntu was joined by prominent FDC figures such as former secretary general Alice Alaso and former leader of the opposition (LoP) Winnie Kiiza.
The current Katonga-based faction has the former FDC party president and presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, as its de facto leader. Others include FDC chairperson Ambassador Waswa Birigwa, Kampala lord mayor, Erias Lukwago, and some of the founders of the FDC party.
Following a delegates’ conference, the Katonga faction resolved to dissolve the FDC and form a new political force. On Tuesday, Ingrid Turinawe, the faction’s mobilization chairperson, submitted the application documents to the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala.
Turinawe stated that the next phase of their plan includes launching a nationwide mass mobilization campaign to attract supporters and distribute party membership cards. The PFF has chosen a phone as its party symbol, with the slogan “Freedom For All and All For Freedom.” The party’s colours will be royal blue and white pending EC approval.
Julius Mucunguzi, EC spokesperson, confirmed receipt of the application and stated that the commission will proceed to scrutinize the submitted documents to ensure compliance with requirements, after which a formal response will be communicated to the applicant group.
FDC Katonga faction interim president, Lukwago, said within the next six months they expect to have officially parted ways with the FDC Najjanankumbi faction, which is currently headed by Patrick Oboi Amuriat.
