Besigye’s Katonga faction files paperwork for new party ‘PFF’

The party is named the People's Front for Freedom (PFF). Its symbol is a cellphone.

This move follows the faction's earlier declaration to dissolve the FDC and establish a fresh political entity.

The decision to form the PFF emerged from a high-energy delegates’ conference held at the FDC’s Katonga headquarters.

Over 800 members gathered for the conference, chaired by FDC Chairman Waswa Birigwa.

Deliberations highlighted the members' desire for change and discontent with the status quo.

The faction explicitly sought to distance itself from its counterparts at the Najjanankumbi headquarters, whom they regard as illegitimate.

Read: “It’s time to move on;” says Besigye as he moves to form new political party

The Katonga faction President Erias Lukwago articulated frustrations with the Electoral Commission, accusing it of bias toward the Najjanankumbi faction, which he claims has been acting against the interests of the broader party membership.

Lukwago's presentation included three main proposals: the formation of a new political party, the dissolution of the FDC in line with the party’s constitution, and an extension of the current leadership's tenure to oversee these transitions.

Despite facing internal resistance, the majority of the Katonga faction’s delegates backed these proposals.

Lukwago reassured members of their determination to continue their fight for what they believe is rightful representation and leadership, declaring,

“We are committed to fighting on and will not be deterred by those who oppose our vision.”

The conference also saw remarks from former FDC President Dr. Kizza Besigye, a central figure in Uganda’s opposition politics for many years.

Besigye praised the members for their resilience and called for unity among Ugandans.

He also invited former National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters to join their cause, emphasizing that the new party would prioritize national reconciliation, transparency, and inclusive leadership.

However, the move to dissolve the FDC and form the PFF has not gone unchallenged.

The Najjanankumbi faction, led by FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, responded with strong objections.

In a statement, Oboi denounced the Katonga faction's actions, claiming that the conference was illegitimate and its resolutions null and void. He cited a court order that purportedly barred Birigwa and his followers from organizing such a conference, making any decisions arising from it legally questionable.

Oboi argued that only the leadership at Najjanankumbi, under Chairman Hon. Jack Sabiiti, had the authority to dissolve the party according to the FDC's constitution.

He dismissed the Katonga faction’s attempts as mere "clownish posturing" and emphasized that the Najjanankumbi faction continues to operate as the legitimate representatives of the FDC.

The Najjanankumbi faction also addressed the formation of the PFF, asserting that while individuals have the constitutional right to form new political entities, the creation of such a party by the Katonga faction would be seen as another attempt to disrupt the FDC’s legitimate operations.

The Najjanankumbi leadership maintained that the allegations made by Besigye and his allies were baseless, designed to tarnish the reputations of the party's current leaders for personal gain.