The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a Ugandan opposition party closely associated with Kizza Besigye, has announced it will not nominate a presidential candidate in the 2026 elections.
The party plans instead to support a joint opposition contender under the FREEDOM CAMPAIGN, aiming to present a united front against what it calls a militarised election orchestrated by the ruling government.
This decision follows the high-profile abduction and deportation of Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale from Nairobi to Kampala, where they face charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and treason.
Speaking on behalf of the party, Secretary General Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda said, “The party, PFF, has made this decision in the broader interest of building a single stronger freedom-seeking force that should steer the country throughout this turbulent political period and hold it together after the continued disappearance and abduction of citizens, including candidates, is turning the 2026 elections into a militarised campaign.”
PFF is actively engaging with the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) led by Maj Gen (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, as well as the National Unity Platform (NUP) headed by Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine.
Ssemujju confirmed discussions have already taken place with NUP regarding a shared presidential candidate.
He also expressed concern over the integrity of the Electoral Commission, alleging military influence, though EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi rejected the claims, stating, “The Commission has constitutional powers to adjust the election roadmap, when necessary.”
The party’s statement emphasized its opposition to government intimidation and unlawful detention.
It further announced the formation of a 28-member National Campaign Team led by Besigye to travel the country spreading the freedom message.
PFF criticized the continued imprisonment of political leaders.
“The continued detention of our leader and Hajji Obeid plus all other political prisoners is a matter we must all rise up and detest in the strongest terms possible,” the party said.
This marks the second consecutive election Besigye will miss, having also sat out in 2021, as the party focuses on consolidating opposition forces to challenge President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking re-election after nearly forty years in power.
