The women, led by Salaam Musumba and Ingrid Turinawe, voiced their frustration, alleging that Karua was denied the opportunity to lead the case due to gender discrimination.

The decision follows persistent efforts by a faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) that has broken away and established its base in Katonga, Kampala.

The faction on Tuesday submitted an application to the Electoral Commission (EC) to reserve the name "People's Front for Freedom" and a symbol of a mobile phone for its envisaged political organisation.