FDC Katonga wants EC to fast-track party registration

KAMPALA - The Katonga Road-based Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) breakaway group: People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) is urging the Electoral Commission (EC) to expedite the process of registering their party, ahead of the 2026 general election.

PFF officials say they submitted all the required documents but are concerned about the delay after EC approved its registration last year.

Addressing journalists on January 20, 2025, at their head offices on Katonga Road in Kampala, PFF president Erias Lukwago, also Kampala Lord Mayor, said the process is taking long, therefore, delaying intended activities and preparations ahead of the elections.

He said other political entities have already hit the ground, something he says might compromise the new formation’s preparations.

(L-R) Wasswa Birgwa, the former chairman Forum for Democratic Change, Ingrid Turinawe, mobilization chairperson of the People's Front for Freedom Party, Doreen Nyanjura, the Deputy Lord Mayor and MP Bukhweju Francis Mwijuke during the FFP press briefing at their offices in Nakasero, Kampala on January 20, 2025. (Credit: Wilfred Sanya)

“The EC told us to wait for January 16, 2025, but we are yet to receive any communication. We want to run some activities, but our hands are tied because we have not been cleared by the electoral body,” Lukwago said.

The call comes at a time when EC has launched election processes and various political parties are pacing to prepare for the general election.

EC Speaks

Commenting on the matter, EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi urged PFF officials to remain patient as registration process is under progress.

He said party registration is an activity that requires the electoral body to follow established laws and guidance, something he said cannot be achieved in a day.

“They should be patient. The registration is under progress,” Mucunguzi said.