The vice chairperson of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Dr Michael Lulume Bayigga, has said the party remains strong despite what he described as increasing pressure and intimidation from the government.
Speaking to Bbeg Media, Bayigga said PFF leaders and supporters remain committed to promoting democracy, constitutional governance and the rule of law.
“We are concerned that PFF has become a target of Museveni’s oppressive machinery. However, we remain resolute and shall not be intimidated on our journey towards democracy in this country,” Bayigga said.
He said the party has continued to expand its mobilisation efforts across the country as it prepares to celebrate its first anniversary.
According to Bayigga, PFF has organised its structures around Uganda’s 16 indigenous federal states. He said these structures have already been established in several regions, including Busia, Buganda, Jinja, Kigezi, Bunyoro, Acholi, and Ankole.
He explained that the federal state structures will coordinate the party’s activities at the local government level and strengthen grassroots mobilisation.
Bayigga, however, expressed concern that several senior party leaders were either in prison or facing what he described as continued harassment by security agencies.
He said the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye, a founding member, and Erias Lukwago, the PFF chairman, had affected the party’s operations.
He also claimed that other senior leaders, including PFF speaker Salaam Musumba and party spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, continued to face threats of arrest by state security agencies. [WATCH VIDEO]
Bayigga criticised President Museveni, accusing him of undermining the independence of key state institutions.
He alleged that institutions such as Parliament, the Judiciary and the Electoral Commission had become increasingly militarised, a situation he said had weakened public confidence in their independence.
The former Buikwe South MP also questioned the continued denial of bail to some opposition leaders, saying the decisions were inconsistent with Uganda’s laws.
“Let Besigye’s defence team be defeated in court rather than blocking, arresting and intimidating his lawyers,” Bayigga said.
On opposition cooperation, Bayigga said PFF remained committed to working with other opposition parties and pressure groups to pursue democratic reforms through peaceful means.
“We shall continue working with other forces for change to fight for the rule of law and good governance. We shall not be intimidated while pursuing our genuine agenda of restoring Uganda’s dignity,” he said.
Commenting on the recent re-arrest of Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi, Bayigga called on the government to provide a level political playing field for all parties.
He said the opposition expected equal treatment under the law and warned that continued political intimidation would only deepen tensions.
“The opposition cannot be expected to remain smiling while it is constantly being targeted. We shall continue to respond through peaceful means and logical engagement,” he said.
