PFF BOWS OUT OF 2026 RACE, SEEKS UNITED OPPOSITION FRONT AGAINST MUSEVENI

Uganda’s People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a party linked to opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, has announced it will not present a presidential candidate in the 2026 general elections. The decision follows the abduction of Dr. Besigye, who chairs the party’s Council of Eminent Persons, and his aide Obeid Lutale from Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024. The two were deported to Kampala, where they face charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and treason. Their case has sparked outcry from opposition leaders, including Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), and from rights groups.

PFF Secretary General and Spokesperson, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, told reporters on Monday that the party’s move was aimed at strengthening a unified opposition front against President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled for nearly 40 years and is seeking re-election.

Ssemujju confirmed that PFF is in talks with both the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), led by Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, and the National Unity Platform (NUP), headed by Bobi Wine. He said the opposition must consolidate efforts amid what he described as a militarised campaign environment marked by abductions and disappearances of citizens.

An agreement signed between ANT and PFF on July 2, 2025, stated that “the forthcoming elections are designed by Museveni and his family to be the worst in our history.” PFF has also met with NUP twice to discuss the possibility of fielding a joint presidential candidate. Ssemujju accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of being compromised by military influence. In response, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi dismissed the claims as unfounded, saying, “The Commission has constitutional powers to adjust the election roadmap, when necessary.”

Both Gen. Muntu and Bobi Wine have already collected nomination forms to contest under their respective parties. NUP submitted its signatures for verification last week, while ANT’s submission was rejected due to insufficient signatures.

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, will miss the ballot for the second consecutive election after opting out in 2021. He and Lutale remain remanded at Luzira Prison on treason charges.