As Uganda’s political season gathers momentum, most parties are racing through primaries, nominations, and grassroots vetting processes.
But the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, is taking a markedly slower path a pace that has prompted questions about its readiness for the 2026 general elections.
Since its launch, PFF has positioned itself as a movement for political change. However, compared to rival political parties already unveiling presidential contenders and grassroots leadership structures, PFF’s internal democratic calendar appears to be lagging.
Lukwago attributes this to what he describes as structural and political hurdles. Chief among them, he says, was the Electoral Commission’s delay in issuing the party’s registration certificate, a setback compounded by what he calls “arbitrary arrests” of the party’s key leaders.
“We are still engaged in a long, protracted struggle to free political prisoners, including our own leaders,” Lukwago told journalists.
“For us, the 2026 elections are not the ultimate measure of success. Our priority is uniting the forces of change and cleansing the country of the bastardisation of politics by the regime.”
The PFF leader insists the party has made “significant strides” in mobilising for a broader opposition coalition — a move he believes will be instrumental in achieving genuine political transformation.
Political analyst Dr. Paul Kasujja says the slow progress is not unique to PFF but reflects a deeper challenge within Uganda’s political landscape.
“Most political parties here are individual-based rather than ideologically grounded,” he notes. “Without Dr. Kizza Besigye actively leading, PFF risks coming to the coalition table as a weak participant in 2026.”
Kasujja advises that for the party to remain competitive, it must urgently focus on building functional structures and cultivating a strong pool of viable candidates.
“Without that, the longevity of its activism — and its electoral strength will remain in doubt,” he warns.
With the clock ticking towards the general election, PFF’s strategy is clear: prioritise coalition unity over electoral speed. Whether that will pay off at the ballot box, or leave the party outpaced by more aggressive rivals, will be tested in the months ahead.
