PFF leaders display a banner showing a replica of Dr Kizza Besigye’s party card at their headquarters in Kampala on June 23, 2025. PHOTO/IBRAHIM KAVUMA
Jailed Opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye could still have a chance to be nominated as the presidential flag bearer for the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) ahead of the 2026 General Election.
This follows a decision by the leadership of the newly formed Opposition party to amend its electoral guidelines, allowing members who are unable to collect nomination forms physically to be nominated in absentia.
Mr Michael Kabaziguruka, the head of the PFF Electoral Commission, revealed yesterday that his office would seek formal amendments to the guidelines to accommodate members who are abroad or otherwise indisposed during the nomination period.
“As the Electoral Commission of PFF, we are resubmitting the guidelines to the Executive Council of the founding members for review, particularly to provide for nominations in absentia,” Mr Kabaziguruka said.
He added: “This follows numerous requests from our diaspora members who are eligible and interested in contesting but may not be physically present at the time of nomination. It will also accommodate those within the country who, for various reasons, may not be able to appear in person.”
When asked whether the changes are intended to benefit Dr Besigye, who has been in prison since November last year facing treason charges, Mr Kabaziguruka acknowledged the possibility.
“If he expresses interest, and the amended guidelines allow for nominations in absentia, then he, like any other eligible member, can be nominated,” he said.
Nominations for presidential flag
The PFF is expected to announce the official date for presidential flag bearer nominations soon. Mr Harold Kaija, the party’s secretary general, clarified that the clause allowing nominations in absentia was accidentally omitted from the current guidelines.
“Even when we were still in FDC, that clause existed. Somehow, it was mistakenly left out. We recognise that some individuals, due to distance or the nature of their work, may not be able to collect forms personally,” he said.
“We want to make it easier by allowing them to send a representative, as long as they communicate with the Electoral Commission via writing, phone, or email,” Mr Kaija added.
If nominated, this would not be the first time Dr Besigye is selected to run for president while in prison. In 2006, he was nominated as the flag bearer for the then-largest opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), while detained on charges of treason, rape, and concealment of treason. Those charges were later dropped.
The process of collecting nomination forms for various PFF positions began yesterday. Enthusiastic aspirants, accompanied by supporters, turned up at PFF headquarters on Katonga Road.
