The Electoral Commission (EC) has rejected an attempt by Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Katonga faction to register a new political party under the name “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF), citing similarities with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) colours and a name that could cause public confusion.
The Katonga group, which includes prominent figures such as Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, and Wasswa Birigwa, had informed the Electoral Commission of their intention to register a new party with the colours royal blue and white, a slogan “Freedom for all, All for freedom,” and a symbol featuring a phone.
However, in a response dated September 4, Electoral Commission Secretary Leonard Mulekwa informed the group that their application lacked a full description of the proposed symbol and colours, as required under Section 71 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2005.
Mulekwa also pointed out that the name “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF) closely resembles the already reserved name “People Power Front” (PPF), and that the chosen colours of royal blue and white are too similar to those of the existing Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which could potentially confuse the public.
“The choice of white and royal blue closely resembles that of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and is likely to confuse the general public,” the Electoral Commission noted. “Please refer to the symbol in use by the FDC party.”
Citing Section 8 of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, the Electoral Commission stated that the law prohibits the use of colours, names, or initials that resemble those of any registered political party or organization.
The EC’s decision requires the Katonga group to revise their proposed party’s identifying elements in compliance with the Political Parties and Organizations Act.
The group, led by four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, is largely composed of his loyalists, including Erias Lukwago, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, and Wasswa Birigwa.
As the Katonga group contemplates their next steps, the Electoral Commission’s ruling underscores the strict regulations governing political party registration in Uganda.
