BIG INTERVIEW: Besigye will be commander-in-chief in PFF, says Ingrid Turinawe

'Our party won’t be about just fielding candidates and waiting for the Electoral Commission to declare winners. We are in the struggle, and we aim to finish it'

In April this year, Dr Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, firmly dismissed claims that he would run again in the 2026 general election.

This statement wasn't the first of its kind from the opposition activist; he reiterated similar sentiments in June 2023, emphasizing that he would not participate in the search for a sole candidate for the upcoming elections.

He expressed skepticism about the potential for genuine freedom for Ugandans under the current organizational structure and stressed the importance of unity among opposition forces to achieve meaningful change in the country

In an interview, Ingrid Turinawe, a prominent political activist and member of the newly forming People's Front for Freedom (PFF), stated that Besigye would continue to play a vital role within the party.

The PFF, which is in the process of registration, aims to mobilize supporters and lay the groundwork for future political strategies

Excerpts;-

The People's Front for Freedom is on its way to becoming a registered political party. What does this mean for the political landscape as we approach the next election?

I want to congratulate the members, promoters, and supporters of People's Front for Freedom (PFF). The registration process hasn't been easy it didn't come on a silver platter. We fought hard for it. People may think we were just lucky, but we truly fought to get here.

We have been working tirelessly, moving from district to district to collect signatures, and the process is progressing very well. This movement comes at the right time, as many Ugandans are frustrated, hungry, and angry. We believe that this frustration can be channeled into action to earn the freedom we have long yearned for.

Many people are asking, why form another political party at this stage? Don't we have enough parties to channel Ugandans' frustrations and demands for change?

Well, we can't control what people think, but we focus on what we believe in. Even when we formed the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), people asked why we didn’t join the Democratic Party (DP) or Uganda People's Congress (UPC), but we had a different mission and vision.

The same happened when the National Unity Platform (NUP) was formed. People questioned why they didn’t join FDC. We form parties based on shared values, beliefs, and methods. That is how we come together. The PFF is not just another political party waiting for elections and candidates. We are a front, not an ordinary political party, because we no longer believe in the current electoral process to bring about change.

How do you respond to concerns that PFF might divide the opposition rather than strengthen it?

We form parties based on our beliefs. People who think alike come together. The PFF isn't about elections. It's a movement focused on real change. We don’t believe elections alone will remove Museveni from power. We have been accused of losing faith in the electoral system, and we stand by that.

Our party won’t be about just fielding candidates and waiting for the Electoral Commission to declare winners. We are in the struggle, and we aim to finish it, even during the campaign period if necessary. Our candidates will be more like commanders leading a struggle, not just participating in elections.

You say you could finish the struggle during the campaign period. What exactly does that mean?

We aren't saying it’s guaranteed, but we aren’t focused solely on the 2026 elections. We want Ugandans to wake up and face the reality: elections won’t free us from this regime. We are calling on all Ugandans to take action now. The change we want won’t come by waiting for the next election. It’s time for Ugandans to realize that the real struggle isn’t about casting a vote but standing up for their freedom.

What exactly is this call to action? What do you want Ugandans to do?

It’s a freedom call. We are setting up networks to rally people. We’re mobilising, communicating, and taking action. It’s no longer about rumors but about real action through PFF. Ugandans need freedom in all aspects economic, social, educational, and healthcare.

This isn’t something we can postpone. We are calling on everyone to wake up and act now. We cannot wait for ordinary political parties or wait for elections to solve our problems. We need commanders, people on the front line, leading the fight for freedom.

But what do you want Ugandans to do? What’s the specific action you're calling for?

Ugandans need to stand up and say "enough is enough." We cannot allow our country to be run through arbitrary decrees that turn into laws and policies. It’s time for every Ugandan to take responsibility, especially the young generation. They must ensure that this struggle ends with them so that no future generation has to face the challenges we have endured.

You mentioned that you are in the process of forming this party. Is it correct to say that PFF’s ideology is rooted in defiance?

I wouldn’t call it defiance exactly, but I can’t preempt everything now. We have a clear ideology, a mission, and objectives that bind us together, but we’ll launch those details at the appropriate time. This is still a work in progress, and we’ll present everything to the public when the time comes.

Some people believe that PFF is essentially a continuation of FDC, and that you are dissolving FDC to create this new party. Is that accurate?

The dissolution of FDC is being handled according to its constitution. There is a process, and notices have already been issued. Constituency and district conferences will vote on a motion to dissolve the party, followed by a delegates' conference.

If the delegates vote in favor, FDC will be dissolved, and its assets will be transferred. But regardless of the outcome, those of us who built FDC know that the party’s spirit and values are no longer in line with what it has become. PFF is about giving hope and a renewed mission.

Since the return of multiparty politics in 2005, we have mostly seen people moving between opposition parties rather than defecting from the ruling NRM. Do you think PFF will attract defections from the NRM?

At our launch, you will be shocked. We are already receiving signatures and support from NRM members, as well as from members of other parties. There are many who feel their parties have been compromised and no longer represent their values. People are tired of being dragged along without their consent, and that’s why PFF is here to stop this trend. We are focused on solutions, not just discussing problems.

Let me ask you, what drives you personally?

Courage, confidence, and determination have always been the core of my success and political journey. At one point, I thought about entering politics and becoming a prominent leader, but I reached a stage where I realized it wasn’t just about me.

I chose to serve God by helping and educating His people. My motivation comes from devotion and commitment without expecting any reward because I believe in divine reward. People often ask me why I continue despite setbacks, like not winning elections. The reason is simple: I am serving the living God, and I feel it is my calling.

So, can we expect to see you as a candidate in 2026 on the PFF platform?

I will be a commander, leading on the frontline of this struggle.

We have seen efforts to unite the opposition before, but they haven’t always succeeded. With the upcoming election only 14 months away, do you think opposition unity is achievable or even necessary?

The opposition may not unite during elections, but they must unite on the freedom frontline. Ugandan leaders in genuine political parties have no option but to work together. The history of division and attacking each other has gone on for too long, but this time, I believe we will come together to face one common enemy.

And who is this common enemy?

The enemy is not an individual but the systemic destruction of our country, the education system, health sector, and social fabric. This hydra-like enemy has many heads, and it’s the collective failure to address these critical issues that we must confront.

Some consultations have already begun, even before your registration process is complete. Do you believe Uganda can be free?

Absolutely. Freedom is within reach. Ugandans, including myself, cannot shy away from this responsibility. Everyone must stand up, and those who continue to divide us must step aside for the greater good.

You talk about one struggle against a common enemy. Uganda has been independent for 62 years. What do you make of that time?

Our forefathers struggled to gain independence, but since then, Uganda has not experienced true democratic leadership. No leader has left office through a democratic process, and the people have been denied good governance. After 40 years of corruption, mismanagement, and human rights abuses, we have no hope.

The current leadership shows no signs of leaving, only plans to pass power down within the family. Uganda has been treated like a disposable commodity, and it's time to face reality the only solution is to confront the situation head-on.

You have mentioned the “frontline” and “struggle” several times. Some people feel that your language divides rather than unites Ugandans.

My language doesn’t divide; it’s a call to action enshrined in the Constitution. The first chapter calls on all Ugandans to rise when faced with injustice. Time is running out, and we have suffered enough. It’s time to come together with determination and commitment to put an end to this suffering. If we don’t, extinction looms.

There’s been debate about the population census and the accuracy of the data. Do you believe the census was manipulated?

The census results were forged. They don’t reflect the reality on the ground. We have seen 62 years of struggle, but what have we truly achieved? There’s no democratic leadership, and the future looks bleak. We have been deprived of good living, and the current leadership doesn’t seem to care.

Some argue that the rise in mental health cases and road traffic jams reflect increased car ownership, suggesting that more Ugandans are prospering. What’s your take on that?

That’s nonsense. The traffic jams are due to poor planning, not prosperity. People are stressed—stuck in traffic, unable to make ends meet, struggling to pay school fees, and provide for their families. Why wouldn’t Ugandans experience mental breakdowns? Mental illness will only increase as long as these pressures persist.

So, do you think Uganda needs a new frontline, or does it need a genuine, sober discussion about its future?

Dialogue alone won’t solve this. We have tried that before, and it hasn’t yielded results. We had reforms, compacts, and discussions with religious leaders and political parties, but nothing has changed. The Constitution has been used like a dustbin, and there’s no one sober enough to have an honest conversation with. The only option left is the frontline fighting for our country's future.

Does PFF have solutions to the issues facing Uganda?

Of course, that is why I said we are no longer interested in discussing problems. We need to start discussing solutions.

How does the PFF plan to ensure Uganda’s future is secure, even if they take over leadership? Will Ugandans be safe?

We have chosen this path, not because it is easy, but because there is no other option. We have decided to step up because Ugandans are suffering. It’s a time when Ugandans feel frustrated and hopeless. The public service is decaying, corruption is rampant, and the national debt is rising.

Despite the Uganda Revenue Authority collecting more taxes, services to Ugandans are being deprived. We cannot postpone action anymore; now is the time for change. We are providing a new platform where Ugandans can rescue themselves from this system.

After 38 years of President Museveni's leadership, would you credit your efforts for pushing him out if he were to leave power?

Absolutely. If it weren’t for our pressure, even the small reforms that exist today wouldn’t be there. The existing peace and services are partly due to our pressure. Since the 2001 election, our manifesto has influenced many policies and increasing government sponsorship for Makerere University students. Although some of our proposals, like the pension for the elderly, have been poorly implemented, they originated from our pressure.

Can you give examples of how your activism has brought about change?

Yes, for example, during the 2011 “Walk to Work” protests, we were beaten, arrested, and charged with treason. But by the time I came out of prison, the price of sugar and fuel had dropped, which was one of our demands. We walked because of the high prices of basic commodities, and we saw the results.

When will PFF be officially launched?

We have given ourselves two weeks to collect data from the districts. After verification, we will submit everything to the Electoral Commission within one month. We want to ensure that our work is perfect and that our signatures won’t be rejected.

Will Dr Besigye remain a key figure in PFF?

Absolutely. He has always been our commander-in-chief in this struggle, and we will continue to follow him as our leader, though not necessarily as a presidential candidate. We trust him to guide us in this movement.