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Kalungu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Mathias Kintu Musoke, who served as the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Sembabule, has announced his departure from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to join the new opposition political party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). Musoke was RDC from 2017 until 2020, when he resigned to run for the Member of Parliament seat for Kalungu West Constituency. He, however, lost in the NRM party primaries to former Defense Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja.
Musoke made his announcement on Friday during the launch of the PFF regional membership registration exercise in Masaka, which aims to enable the party’s formal registration by the Electoral Commission.
He stated that he decided to leave NRM due to ongoing issues within the party, particularly what he described as chronic unfairness in the internal election process and dishonesty among top leaders who are supposed to address internal contradictions, thus threatening the future of the party.
He criticized the NRM for failing to practice internal democracy, expressing his disappointment over the lack of transparency and equal opportunities for competition within the party.
Musoke stated that he joined the new political party, which is still under formation, to be part of the initial establishment process, giving him a sense of ownership and a better understanding of its ideologies. He believes this will empower him to hold its leaders accountable.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) is emerging as a new player in Uganda’s political landscape, stemming from internal conflicts within the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). The FDC has faced divisions over allegations of political manipulation and bribery by the NRM, leading to the formation of PFF.
Florence Nabakooza, one of the PFF coordinators in Kalungu district, welcomed Musoke’s defection, calling it a significant boost for the party. She noted that his decision could inspire confidence in others to join PFF. Nabakooza added that once the party secures formal registration status, they would recommend that the top leadership assign Musoke the task of recruiting members and establishing party structures in the subregion.
On the other hand, Ismail Kafeero, the NRM Chairperson for Kalungu East Constituency, expressed hope of engaging with Musoke to address his grievances. He stated that the NRM is always open to listening to its members and resolving issues to strengthen the party further.
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