In a letter dated September 4, signed by Mulekwah Russel Jacques Leonard, EC secretary to the Electoral Commission, the electoral body advised the promoters of People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) to reconsider its name and colours over similarities with other existing political parties.
“The submissions in respect of names of the proposed political party, People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) closely resembles an already reserved political party name – People Power Front (PPF), which is likely to confuse members of the public. The choice of white and royal blue as colours closely resembles that of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and is likely to confuse the general public. Please refer to the symbol and use by the FDC party,” the letter reads in part.
The letter highlighted that the Political Parties and Organizations Act prohibits the use of names, colours, or initials that resemble those of already registered political parties. It also noted that PFF’s application for registration lacked a full description of its symbol, slogan, and colours. The party had only submitted a phone symbol and the colours white and royal blue, without the necessary details for proper identification.
Efforts to reach Wafula Oguttu, the lead promoter of PFF, were unsuccessful as his known phone number was switched off. However, another promoter, who requested anonymity, confirmed that PFF had already responded to the EC’s concerns.
“There is no story, they have written to us guiding us on what they need and we have responded by giving them what they asked for. So, we await the reply and we shall inform you,” she said.
This development comes after a factional split in the FDC last year, with accusations against party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi and secretary-general Nathan Nandala Mafabi, alleging they had accepted funds from President Museveni during the 2021 general elections.
Since then, the FDC has been divided into two factions – one operating from Katonga Road and the other from Najjanankumbi. It is the Katonga faction that now seeks to establish PFF as a new political party.
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