KAMPALA: The Uganda Electoral Commission has rejected an application by the FDC Katonga faction to register a new political party under the name “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF). The commission cited similarities with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) colors and a name that could cause public confusion.
The Katonga group, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as interim president, had submitted an application to register a new party with the colors royal blue and white, a slogan “Freedom for all, all for freedom,” and a symbol featuring a phone.
In a response dated September 4, Electoral Commission Secretary Leonard Mulekwa informed the group that their application lacked a full description of the proposed symbol and colors, as required under Section 7(1) C of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2005. Additionally, Mulekwa pointed out that the name “People’s Front for Freedom” (PFF) closely resembles the already reserved name “People Power Front” (PPF), and that the chosen colors of royal blue and white are too similar to those of the existing Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which could potentially confuse the public.
“The choice of white and royal blue closely resembles that of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and is likely to confuse the general public,” the Electoral Commission explained.
The EC’s decision requires the Katonga group to revise their proposed party’s identifying elements in compliance with the Political Parties and Organizations Act.
