Emotions ran high yesterday as members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party breakaway faction gathered at their Katonga base to commence the registration of members.
This marks the first step in forming a new political party within six months.
Submission to the Electoral Commission
Twelve prominent members of the breakaway faction, including former Leader of Opposition Wafula Oguttu and former Rukungiri District Woman MP contestant Ingrid Turinawe Kamateneti, submitted a letter to the Electoral Commission (EC).
The letter reserved the name, colors, and slogan of their newly established party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
Other members involved in the submission were Stanley Tugume Katembeya, Susan Nanyonjo, and Ronald Samuel Wanda, among others.
Vision for the New Party
Mr. Kenneth Geoffrey Opoka, the PFF party chairperson, expressed confidence in the new party’s potential to liberate Uganda.
He emphasized that the name “People’s Front for Freedom (PFF)” had been officially preserved and revealed that their party colors would be white and royal blue.
The party’s symbol will be a phone, representing the modern technology accessible even in rural areas, and their slogan will be “Freedom for all and all for freedom.”
Nationwide Mobilization Tour Planned
Ms. Turinawe announced plans for a nationwide mobilization tour, aiming to reach every part of the country.
The goal is to replace old FDC cards and materials with those of the new party, ensuring a widespread transition to the PFF.
Waiting on the Electoral Commission’s Decision
Mr. Wanda highlighted the faction’s anticipation of the EC’s decision, which will guide their next steps.
The EC spokesperson confirmed that the members had submitted all required documents in compliance with the law.
The Commission will review the application and determine if the name is available or already reserved by another group.
Legal Requirements and Timeline
According to the spokesperson, the EC will review the submission and, if approved, the applicants will need to gather 50 signatures from party members in at least two-thirds of all districts nationwide.
This process is in line with the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005.
If all requirements are met, the registration process for the new political party will be completed within six months.
Dissolution of the FDC Party
The recent developments follow the FDC Katonga faction’s National Delegates Conference held on August 19.
During the conference, members unanimously agreed to dissolve the FDC party and transfer its assets and liabilities to the new party, in accordance with the party constitution’s 36th article.
Ongoing Disputes Within FDC
However, officials from the FDC headquarters, led by party president Mr. Patrick Amuriat Oboi and secretary general Mr. Nathan Nandala Mafabi, argued that the Katonga members are ex-FDC members and therefore cannot dissolve the party.
The breakaway faction, led by FDC’s founding president Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye, accuses the ruling NRM party of bribing Mr. Amuriat and Mr. Nandala to infiltrate and destroy the FDC.
Allegations of Bribery and Internal Investigations
Col Besigye claimed that he had received a questionable amount of Shs300m from Mr. Nandala, which he later returned after being tipped off by intelligence that the party leadership had accepted bribes from State House.
However, an FDC elders committee, led by former Kagoma MP Frank Nabwiso, concluded that there was no incriminating evidence against Mr. Nandala and Mr. Amuriat.
