EC Orders PFF Leaders to Slow Down on Registration Amid Growing Tensions

The Uganda Electoral Commission (EC) has advised the leaders of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) to slow down and adhere to the established process for political party registration. This request came just hours after members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, issued a deadline to the Justice Simon Byabakama-led EC to grant them a registration certificate by January 31, 2025.

Lukwago, speaking to the media on January 6, expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the registration process, indicating that their efforts to form a new political entity were not moving fast enough. However, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi clarified the situation, stating that the commission is still in the process of verifying the details, signatures, and particulars of PFF members. Mucunguzi emphasized that the Electoral Commission is still operating within the legal framework, as the law stipulates that party registration should be processed within six months. This registration process, he explained, began in October of the previous year, after the EC authorized the PFF leaders to collect signatures nationwide.

Mucunguzi assured that the EC remains fully committed to fulfilling its constitutional role, allowing Ugandans the right to form and register political parties, while also acknowledging the time frames set by law.

The leaders of PFF are anxious about the party’s registration, particularly with the 2026 general elections approaching. There are concerns among PFF members that their party’s efforts may be deliberately delayed or sabotaged. Additionally, the general update of the national voter’s register, initially scheduled to start on January 3, has now been postponed until January 20 and will run until February 10. Currently, about 16 new political organizations are seeking registration with the EC to become recognized political parties.