The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) announced today that it will not put forward its own candidate for the 2026 presidential elections. The decision comes as the country grapples with increasing political tensions.
At a press briefing today, the PFF explained that this choice is part of a bigger effort to create a single, powerful alliance focused on “freedom-seeking” goals.
By stepping back, the party hopes to help unite various groups to guide Uganda through its current challenges and beyond.
“The continued disappearance and abduction of citizens, including candidates, is turning the 2026 election into a militarized campaign,” the PFF stated in its press release.
In July, the PFF and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) signed a cooperation agreement. We also understand that the two parties have since held meetings with a third major opposition group, the National Unity Platform (NUP), to explore ways to combine their efforts and avoid competing against each other.
A key topic in these talks has been selecting a joint presidential candidate. The ANT suggests running two candidates together: Maj. Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu and Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. The idea is to present them as a unified team with different strengths to appeal to a wider audience.
If the groups agree on a united approach—whether one candidate or two—the PFF says it will fully support it. If no agreement is reached, the party will decide its next steps after presidential nominations.
The PFF noted that leaders like Dr. Kizza Besigye, Obed Lutale, and Sam Mugumya remain detained on what they call politically motivated charges. They also alleged the government has drained the national treasury to buy support.
In the meantime, the PFF says it has formed a national campaign team to organize rallies and coordinate activities at regional, sub-regional, and district levels. This team will work with PFF’s nominated candidates for parliament and local government.
It is led by Besigye. Other members include notable politicians like Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Betty Aol, and Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda, among a list of 27 individuals.
