Opposition strongman and four-time presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye is set to deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) on July 8, 2025, despite being on remand at Luzira Prison on treason charges for over 200 days.
Besigye, one of the founding members of the newly registered PFF, remains a central figure in Uganda’s opposition politics even in detention. His party, born out of a bitter split within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), is preparing for its inaugural general assembly at a time when many of its supporters see his continued imprisonment as politically motivated.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the PFF headquarters along Katonga Road, party spokesperson and former Opposition Chief Whip Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda assured the public that Besigye’s incarceration would not derail the party’s launch plans.
“For the first time, you will have a prisoner addressing a political congregation from prison,” Ssemujju said. “Dr Besigye is preparing his speech, and he will deliver it by any means available.” He, however, declined to reveal details about how the address will be delivered.
At least 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the launch, representing over 5,000 founding members. During the event, interim leaders, led by former Leader of the Opposition Wafula Oguttu, will present a list of proposed officials for formal endorsement and swearing-in.
Over the weekend, Kampala Lord Mayor and interim PFF president Elias Lukwago visited Besigye at Luzira Prison. According to Lukwago, the two founders used the meeting to finalise key details of the launch and emphasised the need to prioritise opposition unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
PFF officially registered with the Electoral Commission on June 5, 2025, following irreconcilable ideological and leadership disputes within the FDC. The Katonga Road-based faction broke away from the Najjanankumbi wing, citing betrayal of the party’s founding values.
As preparations intensify for the party’s launch, PFF has also begun internal processes to field candidates for the 2026 general election. On June 30, the party began issuing expression of interest forms at its Katonga Road offices.
PFF Electoral Commission Chairperson Michael Kabaziguruka revealed that over 150 aspirants picked forms on the first day. He urged members to respect party guidelines and cautioned against standing as independents after losing internal primaries.
