PFF to Champion Federalism, Demands Action on Military Abuse Allegations

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) is gearing up to launch a significant campaign promoting federal democracy across Uganda. This initiative follows a recent retreat for political leaders where various governance models were discussed.

While the PFF is solidifying its own federal democracy paradigm, party acting chairperson Dr. Lulume Bayigga highlighted the discussions around Professor Ogenga Otunnu’s consociational democracy proposal. Bayigga clarified that the retreat aimed to explore ideas for addressing issues like power concentration, institutional capture, and militarization, rather than demanding immediate endorsement of any single proposal.

The PFF’s federal democracy model will undergo internal review before a public launch, after which the party intends to engage the media and conduct a nationwide promotional tour. This effort aims to foster broader understanding and support for this system of governance.

In parallel, the PFF is demanding justice and accountability for alleged human rights abuses within military facilities. Bayigga paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Herbert Matanda Mabonga, a former UPDF intelligence officer, who he stated exposed alleged abuses including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture in “safe houses.”

Citing documented accounts and video evidence allegedly showing prominent opposition figures undergoing rehabilitation after mistreatment, the PFF is calling for immediate action. The party also demands the release of Sam Kumi, who they claim is a victim of enforced disappearance by the UPDF and Special Forces Command (SFC).

Furthermore, the PFF urges Parliament to enact stringent legislation against torture, establishing clear penalties for perpetrators and providing compensation for victims. The party hopes to see an end to what they describe as “barbaric actions against humanity.”

These allegations regarding military detention facilities and torture have not been independently verified at the time of reporting. The UPDF and SFC have not yet responded to the claims.