By Aggrey Baba
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a new political party linked to veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, and led (on an interim basis) by Kampala Lord mayor Erias Lukwago, was officially gazetted last week by the Electoral Commission, marking its formal entry into Uganda’s political arena, ahead of 2026 general elections.
The announcement has sparked fresh debate on whether PFF’s emergence will strengthen the opposition or deepen existing divisions.
While appearing on NBS Television on Sunday, several political figures offered mixed reactions, ranging from cautious optimism to outright skepticism.
Former Kawempe South MP, Hon. Mubarak Munyagwa, hailed the registration of PFF as a major boost to the opposition. “Now that Dr. Kizza Besigye has a political party, the struggle is nearly complete. We now have PFF without any detractors,” he said with confidence.
Munyagwa has been one of the most vocal critics of the National Unity Platform (NUP), and it’s president, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), often clashing with its supporters online and on air.
Responding to his remarks, one social media user remarked, “Like you have been ignoring all other opposition parties and concentrated on discussing NUP, hope you will now ignore NUP and discuss PFF.” Munyagwa didn’t bite back but emphasized his belief that PFF could finally offer a disciplined and focused opposition movement under Besigye’s ideology.
Despite the celebratory mood among some, political analysts warn that the absence of Dr. Besigye, who is currently under detention, could weaken the momentum.
An African saying says “As long as the rooster is caged, the chickens may not know when to rise,” and this captures the sense that without Besigye’s public presence, PFF may struggle to ignite widespread support.
Among the skeptics is Rogers Mulindwa, a senior spokesperson and communications officer for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), who has for years been the party’s face in media engagements and a key player in shaping public narratives around political developments.
Speaking about the new party, Mulindwa dismissed PFF’s longevity, saying, “With Erias Lukwago leading PFF, I don’t believe they will survive five years,” he said bluntly.
Mulindwa’s remarks reflect NRM’s longstanding view that the opposition is plagued by internal disunity and ego-driven politics, with political watchers saying that PFF may use the already-existing structures of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), from which most of its top figures, including Dr. Besigye and Erias Lukwago, emerged.
However, whether the party becomes a unifying force or just another splinter group remains to be seen.
As the Luganda proverb goes, “A basket can’t be full with just one type of food,” a reminder that unity in diversity is essential, especially in Uganda’s increasingly competitive political space.
While the gazetting of PFF marks the beginning of a new chapter, the success of this political baby will depend not just on its name, but on the hands that raise it. Will it walk the talk of freedom and justice, or stumble in the maze of opposition politics? Keep your eyes and ears on Mulengera, as the entire situation unfolds. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
