By Hope Angel Nuwataho
The ongoing struggle between the Katonga faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and the Electoral Commission (EC) escalated today as Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and his team stormed the EC headquarters, only to find Chairperson Simon Byabakama and his deputies absent.
Lukwago, visibly frustrated, accused the EC of deliberately stalling the registration process for their new political party, the People Front for Freedom (PFF), calling the delays a deliberate act of sabotage.
The faction had issued a one-week ultimatum to the Commission to provide the necessary registration documents, but their application remains blocked due to disputes over the party’s name and colors.
The EC claims that the name "People Front for Freedom" closely resembles that of the "People Power Front" (PPF), raising concerns about confusion. Additionally, the colors proposed by PFF are said to be too similar to those of FDC, further complicating the registration process.
Background to the Dispute
This standoff comes against the backdrop of deepening divisions within Uganda's opposition, particularly within the FDC.
The Katonga faction, led by Lukwago and other opposition heavyweights, splintered from the mainstream FDC amid internal disagreements over leadership and strategy.
This breakaway group, seeking to establish the People Front for Freedom as an independent political party, has found itself in a legal and bureaucratic battle with the Electoral Commission.
The People Power Front (PPF), which already has a foothold in Uganda's political landscape, has also raised concerns over the similarities in both name and symbols, adding fuel to the ongoing dispute.
PPF is closely associated with the People Power Movement, which was pivotal in propelling Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and his National Unity Platform (NUP) to prominence.
The overlap has caused tension and led to accusations that the Katonga faction may be trying to capitalize on the People Power brand.
The Morning Drama at the EC
Arriving at the Electoral Commission headquarters early this morning, Lukwago and his team were granted access to the premises but were told that neither Chairperson Byabakama nor his deputies were available to meet them.
The group's frustration was palpable as Lukwago criticized the Commission for keeping them in the dark and failing to address their concerns within the agreed timeframe.
"We came here for answers. The Electoral Commission is playing games with us, and this is nothing short of sabotage," Lukwago declared to the media outside the EC offices.
After waiting for a while, the group was met by EC Deputy Spokesperson Paul Bukenya, who asked for patience, assuring them that their case was still under review.
Bukenya later returned with the news that both the Chairperson and his deputies were unavailable, further infuriating the group.
The EC’s Defense
In response to the allegations, Bukenya explained that the Commission is following proper procedures and that Lukwago’s faction would need to wait for a formal decision.
"When someone submits a request, there’s a process that needs to be followed. The Commission is still reviewing the details, and no final decision has been made," Bukenya said, refuting claims of sabotage.
However, Lukwago and his team were not satisfied, vowing to push forward despite the hurdles. “We will not back down. They can delay, but we will prevail,” Lukwago stated, promising to announce their next steps soon.
Looking Ahead
As the registration saga drags on, all eyes are on the next moves of Lukwago and the Katonga faction. With the opposition landscape in Uganda already fragmented, the outcome of this standoff could have significant political implications, especially as the country heads into the next election cycle.
The growing tension between PFF and PPF, and the possible overlap with NUP, may also signal deeper challenges within the opposition’s ability to unite against the ruling government.
For now, Lukwago and his faction remain steadfast, determined to see their party registered and to fight what they view as deliberate attempts to undermine their political ambitions.