The Electoral Commission has declined to reserve the name, colors, symbol, and slogan proposed by a faction of former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) members, led by Wafula Ogutu, who sought to register a new political party called the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).
The commission cited the Political Parties and Organisations Act, 2005, which requires a full description of identifying symbols, slogans, and colors. The former FDC members’ submission lacked a detailed description of their proposed symbol and colors, which closely resemble those of the FDC.
The commission also expressed concerns that the name “People’s People Power Front” could confuse the public, as it is similar to the existing FDC name.
This development comes amidst ongoing intraparty conflicts within the FDC, with two factions led by Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Patrick Amuriat engaging in a bitter dispute over party leadership and allegations of collusion with President Yoweri Museveni.
The former FDC members, who accuse the current leadership of disorganizing the party, had hoped to register their new party and start collecting signatures for registration. However, the electoral commission’s rejection has dealt a blow to their plans.
The FDC’s internal conflicts have been ongoing since 2021, with both factions trading accusations and counter-accusations. The party’s future remains uncertain as the conflicts escalate.
