PFF urges clergy to pressure NRM over ‘Muwanga-like’ behaviour and call for release of political prisoners

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has called on clergy and pilgrims attending Namugongo Martyrs Day to disassociate from the NRM government’s “devil-like” actions and to pressure President Museveni to release political prisoners, drawing parallels to the historic persecution under Kabaka Muwanga.

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has appealed to the clergy and pilgrims gathering at Namugongo to mark Martyrs Day to openly reject what it describes as the “devil-like behaviours” of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government under President Museveni.

The PFF promoters, whose leader retired Colonel Kiiza Besigye remains in detention, compared the alleged acts of kidnappings, extrajudicial killings, and the incarceration of political prisoners under the current regime to the brutal actions of Kabaka Muwanga against Christian believers over a thousand years ago.

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the interim spokesperson for PFF, urged religious leaders and pilgrims to sever ties with the NRM government’s practices, including enforced disappearances and repression of dissent.

“The clergy and pilgrims should disassociate themselves from the devil-like behaviours of the NRM under President Museveni, such as kidnappings, killing of innocent persons, and the detention of political prisoners,” Ssemujju said.

The PFF expressed deep concern that the suffering endured by many Ugandans today echoes the torment faced by the martyrs under Kabaka Muwanga’s rule.

“Believers should draw courage from the Uganda Martyrs and tell President Museveni and his government that they will be held accountable,” Ssemujju added, referring to the upcoming Martyrs Day on June 3, 2025.

Among the political prisoners is retired Colonel Kiiza Besigye, who was denied mandatory bail after spending 180 days in detention, reportedly due to a directive from the Chief Justice.

Wasswa Birigwa, the interim national chairman of PFF, reiterated the call for clemency. “Museveni talks about forgiveness and appeals to the Kabaka; let him start with Besigye and other political prisoners,” Birigwa said.

On the pending registration of the PFF, promoters expressed concerns that their supporters may be unable to participate fully in the ongoing nominations process that began today across the country.