The internal struggle within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has taken a new twist, with the Electoral Commission (EC) halting the registration of the new political party proposed by the FDC-Katonga faction. The EC’s decision raises important questions about political identity and the complexities of creating a new opposition force.
Concerns Over Name and Colours
In a letter dated September 4, the Electoral Commission outlined its objections to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), the party spearheaded by the Katonga faction of the FDC. The primary concerns? The name and colours chosen for the PFF bear too much similarity to other existing political parties.
According to the EC, the name “People’s Front for Freedom” is too close to the reserved name “People Power Front.” This overlap, the Commission warns, could lead to public confusion. Furthermore, the proposed colours—white and royal blue—are strikingly similar to the established colours of the FDC itself, raising the possibility that voters could mistakenly associate the new party with the original FDC.
Legal Barriers to Similarity
The Political Parties and Organizations Act explicitly prohibits the use of names, colours, or symbols that resemble those of registered parties. The EC underscored that the PFF’s application lacked a full description of its symbol, slogan, and colours, further complicating its bid for official registration.
A Split in the Opposition
The attempt to create the People’s Front for Freedom comes on the heels of deep divisions within the FDC. The Katonga faction, led by prominent party figures, resolved to break away from the main body after a highly charged delegates’ conference. The conflict stems from allegations of betrayal, with accusations that party president Patrick Amuriat and secretary general Nandala Mafabi are covertly receiving support from President Museveni and his ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to weaken the opposition.
Race Against Time for 2026 Elections
With the next general election just two years away, the Katonga faction faces a ticking clock. The registration process for a new political party typically takes six months, meaning delays like this one could significantly hamper the group’s efforts to organize and mobilize ahead of the 2026 elections.
Will the Katonga faction regroup and push forward with a revised name and symbol? Or will the internal strife within the FDC further divide Uganda’s opposition forces? One thing is certain: the political landscape is shifting, and all eyes are on what happens next.
