By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has refused to change its name despite concerns from the Electoral Commission (EC) about potential confusion with another party.
The EC recently declined registration of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), submitted by the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga split, aligned with former party president, Dr. Kizza Besigye following a bitter split on allegations of mismanagement and infiltration by government.
The EC further cited similarities with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and another party under registration and another party under registration such as color, symbol and words used.
This followed a petition by the People’s Progressive Front (PPF) to the EC alleging that the similarity in the name would cause confusion among voters thereby diluting their identity. The EC also noted that PFF’s submitted blue color is associated with the FDC party and recommended for changes.
Although Wafula Ogutu, one of the promoters of PFF acknowledges some concerns raised by the EC, he rejected changing the name, arguing no party has a monopoly on words or colors.
Likewise, Erias Lukwago, FDC Katonga interim president, pointed out that if names were an issue, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) would have protested PPF’s registration.
Meanwhile, Lukwago also retaliated the Katonga group plans to dissolve FDC and form a new party following resolutions of the delegates conference at Katonga in August. However, FDC leadership rejected this, affirming their own legitimacy and urged Lukwago’s group to register their own party.
“The EC confirmed Hon. Jack Sabiiti as chairperson for the FDC and other leaders as indicated in the certified copies of EC. They also certified Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi as party president and Secretary General, respectively. There is no FDC Katonga and FDC elsewhere. We’re the true and only FDC with headquarters at Najjanankumbi, whoever calls themselves so, should form their own party and stop using our name,” John Kikonyogo, FDC Spokesperson said during a media engagement at Najjanankumbi on Monday.
EC Approval for FDC leadership
Despite concerns raised by the EC, PFF has reaffirmed its decision to retain its name. Lukwago revealed that they have already submitted a formal response to the EC, outlining the differences between its name and that of PPF, and address several other concerns regarding their logo and branding.
