The breakaway faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), now operating under the new name People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has reaffirmed their decision to retain their proposed name and color scheme despite guidance from the Electoral Commission (EC).
In a telephone interview with the Monitor on Tuesday, Mr. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the spokesperson for the Katonga-based faction, stated that they had responded to the Electoral Commission’s letter dated September 4, 2024. He emphasized that while the faction had addressed concerns about their printout of party colors and symbols, they were resolute in maintaining their chosen name and color scheme.
“The only issue we have responded to the EC in good faith is them saying we did not give them the printout of our colors and symbol, but for the name and colors, we shall not change because there is no justification in the law and common sense,” Ssemujju Nganda remarked.
The EC had previously raised concerns that the name “People’s Front for Freedom” closely resembles the reserved name “People Power Front” (PPF), which could potentially cause confusion among the public. Additionally, the EC pointed out that PFF’s choice of white and royal blue colors closely resemble those used by the FDC.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi clarified that the commission’s role was to provide guidance rather than outright rejection. “EC has not rejected the registration of the party but guided on what needs to be done because registering a political party is a process, and this is part of it. We have written to them and will receive their responses and guide further,” Mucunguzi explained.
Despite this, Mr. Ssemujju Nganda expressed frustration with what he perceives as inconsistent treatment by the EC. He noted that various other political parties, including the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), use blue in their branding, yet the commission has not raised similar objections in their cases.
“The FDC registered sky blue, red, yellow; it is not blue, and blue has different shades. The dominant color of NUP as registered with EC is blue, the colors of Justice Forum are blue, UPC has blue in it, and so many other parties. I find it strange that the same EC, which has registered other parties with blue, are now saying that our blue resembles the one of FDC,” Ssemujju Nganda said.
He also criticized the EC for what he described as biased decision-making, pointing out that other parties with similar initials, such as the Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party, have been registered without issue.
“The resemblance doesn’t mean they are the same,” he added, defending the faction’s choices and questioning the impartiality of the Electoral Commission’s guidance.
, now operating under the new name People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has reaffirmed their decision to retain their proposed name and color scheme despite guidance from the Electoral Commission (EC).){kind=link}