The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing concern over what it describes as a deteriorating state of governance, increasing militarization of public life, and threats to electoral independence in Uganda.
The statement, released on Monday via the party’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, followed a press briefing held at the PFF headquarters in Katonga, led by Deputy President Michael Phillip Lulume Bayiga.
At the center of the party’s concerns is a recent directive by President Yoweri Museveni authorizing the release of Shs56 billion for Local Council I (LC I) elections, scheduled to take place in nearly 70,000 villages before the end of May.
According to the opposition group, the move undermines the independence of the Electoral Commission.
“The PFF raises deep concerns over the current state of governance and the increasing militarization of our public life. If the Electoral Commission must wait for a presidential directive to utilize funds already appropriated by Parliament, then it is no longer an independent body,” the statement read.
The party further called on the Electoral Commission to urgently provide clear guidelines for first-time voters, as well as a comprehensive election roadmap.
It warned that delays in communication could be interpreted as deliberate efforts to disenfranchise young voters.
In addition to electoral concerns, the PFF criticized ongoing security operations in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
The party noted that for the past four weeks, heavy military roadblocks have caused prolonged delays and what it described as excessive policing.
“Citizens deserve to know the specific security threats that justify these measures. Security operations should not come at the cost of human rights and must not create an environment of psychological intimidation,” the statement read.
The PFF also condemned recent eviction operations, which it characterized as “militaristic and barbaric,” arguing that they disproportionately affect ordinary citizens and small-scale traders.
“Destroying property and exposing goods to theft is unacceptable. The government must instead provide alternative spaces and adopt humane enforcement methods such as fines and structured closures,” the statement read.
The PFF called on the government to uphold democratic principles, respect citizens’ rights, and ensure transparency in governance.
“The regime must respect the people of Uganda. We demand institutional transparency, an end to policing by fear, and the protection of every citizen’s right to work and vote,” the statement concluded.
