Members of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Party in Rukungiri District have officially endorsed the incarcerated Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye as their presidential candidate for the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Besigye, who has been in detention since November 2024, was endorsed during a press conference held on Friday at Rozera Gardens in Rukungiri Municipality. The endorsement was led by Rukungiri PFF District Chairperson Alosius Mugarura, PFF Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda and former Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Kaginda Mugume, and former Rukungiri District Woman MP Betty Muzanira, among other leaders.
Party officials defended their choice, citing historical precedent noting that Besigye had previously contested the presidency while in prison during the 2006 elections. They reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to presenting him as their flagbearer, regardless of his current incarceration.
Kaginda voiced concern over what he described as an escalating wave of political repression by the government. He called on all Ugandans, especially former comrades in the liberation struggle such as Gen. Jim Muhwezi and Gen. Henry Tumukunde to rise above political divides and speak out against injustice.
Muzanira praised Ugandans for their resilience and congratulated PFF members for achieving official party status. She urged citizens to remain committed to the pursuit of freedom by electing leaders who prioritize national interests over personal gain.
Mugarura announced a peaceful demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Rukungiri Municipality. The protest aims to demand the release of Besigye and Hajji Abed Rutale, as well as call for broad democratic reforms. He urged residents to participate in the demonstration to reclaim the district’s dignity and advocate for a peaceful political transition.
Mugarura also celebrated the recent registration and certification of the People’s Front for Freedom as an official political party. He said the development marks a new chapter and an opportunity for the party to correct past mistakes and offer Ugandans a more democratic and accountable future.
CUE IN MUGARURA…….ON BESIGYE……….RR//ENG//
Besigye and Hajji Abed Rutale were reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024. They have remained in detention since.
