MUGABE R
Supporters advocating for the transition of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) into the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) have criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for allegedly conducting a flawed verification exercise.
Between October and November 2024, supporters of the transition voluntarily collected signatures from colleagues endorsing the rebranding of FDC into PFF, fulfilling a key requirement set by the Electoral Commission (EC). These signatures were successfully submitted, and a verification exercise commenced in January 2025. However, PFF supporters allege that the process is being conducted secretly and misleadingly.
Caleb Musimenta, the Western Region Desk Officer for PFF, voiced concerns from supporters who reported receiving phone calls from individuals who failed to properly introduce themselves and asked questions focusing on FDC rather than PFF.
Musimenta also expressed alarm over allegations that the verification exercise in districts such as Ntungamo, Kanungu, Mitooma, Sheema, and Rubirizi is being conducted by security personnel, including GISOs, who are taking photos during the process, which he claims renders the exercise null and void.
Herbert Tumuhamye, the proposed PFF Chairperson for Buhunga Sub-County, raised concerns about supporters receiving phone calls without prior notification from leaders, as well as alleged tricks being used to associate PFF supporters with FDC.
Yashin Katureebe, reportedly involved in conducting the exercise, emphasized that the verification process should focus on the names provided by the Electoral Commission (EC) for People’s Front for Freedom.
