The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party acting president, Mr Erias Lukwago, has asked the electorate in Rukungiri District to vote against all the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates, including President Museveni in retaliation for the continued detention of veteran opposition politician, Dr Kizza Besigye, opposition activist Sam Mugumya and other political prisoners who come from the area.
Addressing PPF supporters during the launch of the party’s mobilisation grassroots campaign at the district’s main stadium, the Kampala city Lord Mayor accused Mr Museveni and regime operatives of holding Dr Besigye and others illegally.
“President Museveni and his NRM government have completely and totally refused to release your son, Dr Kizza Besigye. So don’t vote for them because his continued detention is illegal. You should use these elections to show President Museveni and his NRM people that you are annoyed with the continued detention of your son, who has been in jail for over one Year,” he said.
According to him, Rukungiri should vote for PFF candidates, who he said are tested and would serve the electorate better.
“Kindly vote for our flag bearers because they are tested and they will contribute a lot towards the release of your Dr Besigye. I know the NRM party leaders are giving out a lot of money. Eat that money and don’t vote for them,” Mr Lukwago added.
The PFF spokesperson, Mr Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who doubles as Kira Municipality MP called for unity and reconciliation before accusing President Museveni, 81, of sowing tribal divisions to retain power.
“Let’s remain united. For sure, we are all Ugandans and what hurts us as Buganda people hurts you also. Remember, we all pay taxes, and we all demand good roads, hospitals from this government. So my message is simple, kindly let’s unite and fight together for the well-being of our country, Uganda,” Mr Nganda said.
According to him, the arrest and continued detention of Dr Besigye is an infringement on his rights ‘because all the accusations against him and others are politically orchestrated. I’m therefore asking you not to vote for any NRM party flag bearer.”
The Kigezi Sub-region PFF party coordinator, Mr Fred Tumuhweirwe Turyamuhweza, said: “We are ready as Kigezi Sub-region, and I want to tell you, my dear president, that we shall act in accordance with the message and I will traverse the whole district spreading the same message.’
The Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament flag bearer for PFF, Ms Ingrid Turinawe, asked the people of Rukungiri municipality to vote her into office if they want better service delivery.
“I have been with you both in rain and strong sunshine. I have been beaten, and I have suffered for what is enough. Kindly wipe away my tears by voting me as your area Member of Parliament come January 15, 2026,” Ms Ingrid said.
Besigye in detention
Dr Besigye, a four-time presidential contender and his political aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, have been in detention for over a year following their arrest in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. They are accused of treason and misprision of treason, both of which carry the maximum penalty of death by hanging upon conviction.
According to the prosecution, Dr Besigye, Hajj Lutale, Capt Denis Oola, and others still at large allegedly plotted to overthrow the government by force of arms between 2023 and November 2024.
The alleged plot spans multiple countries, including Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala City.