Besigye faction insists on PFF party name

The People's Front for Freedom (PFF) has reaffirmed its decision to retain its name, dismissing concerns raised by the Electoral Commission (EC) about potential confusion with another political party.

Wafula Ogutu, one of the promoters of PFF, stated that the party is standing firm and will not alter its identity, following a formal petition from the EC.

The petition cited concerns regarding similarities between the PFF and another party currently under registration, specifically highlighting the use of the blue color  long associated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) — as well as the party’s slogan and symbol designs, which the EC deemed unclear.

In response to the EC’s claims, Ogutu acknowledged that some issues raised may hold merit but firmly rejected the idea of changing the name. He emphasized that no party holds a monopoly over the use of particular words or colors, asserting that the PFF's identity remains distinct.

The PFF has since submitted a formal response to the EC, outlining the differences between its name and that of the other party in question, while addressing concerns regarding their logo and branding.

The controversy has been compounded by the People’s Progressive Front (PPF), which also lodged a petition to the EC, alleging that the similarity in the names could confuse voters and dilute their political identity.

PPF promoters argue that the names are too close in appearance and sound, which might mislead their supporters, particularly as the two parties have differing political agendas.

As the EC continues to deliberate over the matter, the PFF remains firm in its decision, stating that it has addressed all the concerns and is ready to move forward with its registration process.

Why the PFF is Registering

The formation of PFF comes in the wake of internal scandals that have rocked the FDC, leading to a factional split within the party. The Katonga group, aligned with founding FDC members like Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been embroiled in a leadership dispute with the Najjanankumbi faction, led by party president Patrick Amuriat and secretary-general Nathan Nandala Mafabi.

Amidst the growing divisions and accusations of mismanagement and infiltration by the government, the Katonga faction decided to form the PFF, marking their formal breakaway from the FDC.

The registration of PFF signals their determination to create a new political platform, while the FDC continues to grapple with internal wrangles.

By forming the PFF, the Katonga group seeks to retain its influence in Uganda’s opposition politics, positioning the party as an alternative to the FDC, which has seen its credibility dented due to the ongoing leadership crisis.