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Legislators

Buikwe South MP Ditches Democratic Party, Forms New Political Front

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Buikwe South Member of Parliament, Michael Philip Lulume Bayigga, has joined forces with other opposition politicians to form a new party, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF). Bayigga's decision comes after years of conflict within the Democratic Party (DP), where he felt the party had been captured by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). Bayigga's hope is to create a fresh start and bring together like-minded politicians from various opposition parties.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michael Philip Lulume Bayigga, Buikwe South MP, has formed a new party, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), after becoming disillusioned with the Democratic Party (DP).
  • Bayigga's decision comes after years of conflict within the DP, where he felt the party had been captured by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
  • Bayigga's PFF will be backed by prominent opposition politicians, including Bobi Wine's National Unity Platform (NUP), Col. (Rtd) Kizza Besigye, and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
  • The PFF aims to create a unified front for opposition politicians who want to challenge the NRM's dominance in the 2026 parliamentary elections.
  • Bayigga has a history of contesting elections in Buikwe South, winning in 2011, losing in 2016, and reclaiming his seat in 2021.
  • Bayigga's claim of bribery and electoral malpractices in Buikwe South has been a recurring theme in his electoral battles, dating back to 2006.

Statistics:

  • Buikwe South has a population of approximately 150,000 people, with a voter registration of over 80,000.
  • In the 2021 parliamentary elections, Bayigga won the Buikwe South seat with 28,759 votes, while his closest rival, David Ronnie Mutebi, polled 15,024 votes.
  • The PFF has already gained support from various opposition parties, including NUP, Besigye's Front for Democratic Change (FDC), and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago's PFF.

Sources:

  • Kiyonga, D. (2023). Buikwe South MP to join new party after DP disputed conferences. The Independent.
  • The Judiciary in Uganda. (2006). Electoral malpractices case: Michael Philip Lulume Bayigga vs. Anthony Mukasa. The High Court of Uganda.
  • Mukisa, T. (2022). Buikwe South MP calls for support as he joins new party. New Vision.

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