More than 100 delegates and supporters of the Democratic Front (DF) in West Acholi have defected to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), in a move that signals growing dissatisfaction with DF's leadership and internal decision-making.
The defectors, largely from Nwoya and Amuru districts, say they have lost faith in DF’s ability to represent their interests and promote inclusive leadership.
The group was led by Rwotomiyo Brian, who had previously petitioned the DF secretariat over what he described as irregularities in the party’s leadership selection process during a delegates' conference in Masaka.
“We wrote a petition expecting a democratic response, but no one from the party responded or even acknowledged our concerns,” said Rwotomiyo.
“We saw no future in DF, so we chose to move on.”
The group was officially received by PFF’s Deputy Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Betty Aol Ochan, who welcomed the new members and noted increasing interest in PFF from both opposition parties and the ruling NRM.
Aol, however, cautioned the new recruits against opportunistic politics.
“Many people seek refuge in the opposition not to serve the common person, but to be seen. I urge you to be different—serve with integrity and accountability,” she said.
The defectors cited marginalization of the northern region during recent DF events as a key reason for their departure.
According to them, the DF delegates' meeting in Masaka failed to recognize northern Uganda as a vital stakeholder, and most decisions were made without proper consultation.
“We insisted on elections or at least the appointment of someone from our region,” said Nambooze Carol, a former DF supporter who has now joined PFF.
“Instead, we were told it would be handled later. We were disappointed but felt powerless.”
PFF Regional Mobilizer Florence Lalam announced that the new members will undergo an orientation to familiarize them with the party’s constitution, values, and beliefs. Once completed, each will receive an official party card.
The latest wave of defections is seen as a potential boost for PFF's presence in northern Uganda, as the party positions itself as a growing political force ahead of the 2026 general elections.
