In a major shake-up within Uganda’s opposition ranks, Buikwe South Member of Parliament, Dr. Lulume Bayiga, has officially crossed from the Democratic Party (DP) to the Katonga-based People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), signaling both personal and political realignment amid deepening rifts in the opposition.
The move, confirmed on Monday, was met with an enthusiastic welcome from the PFF leadership. Party president Erias Lukwago took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce the development, describing Bayiga’s defection as a boost to the ongoing pro-democracy struggle.
“The struggle for democracy and freedom rages on. Today, we welcome Hon. Dr. Lulume Bayiga to the People’s Front for Freedom, a testament to the growing momentum for change. Aluta Continua,” Lukwago posted.
Bayiga’s decision comes on the heels of a long-running feud with DP President General and current Justice Minister Norbert Mao, under whose leadership the party has faced repeated defections.
Bayiga, a longtime party stalwart, had previously vied for the DP presidency, only to lose to Mao, who has helmed the party since 2010.
Taking to the podium for his first address as a PFF member, Bayiga made clear that he is stepping into his new political home not as a conciliator but as a warrior.
“I thank you for the warm welcome you’ve given to me. I don’t come here with a lot of humility, I’m not a humble man, I come here as a fighter to fight alongside you to win the war,” he declared.
His defection is the latest in a growing exodus from the DP, as many senior members over the past seven years have sought what they describe as more coherent and determined opposition platforms.
With Bayiga’s stature and experience now bolstering the PFF’s ranks, the party appears to be steadily consolidating its position as a serious counterforce to both the government and traditional opposition parties.
As Uganda’s political scene continues to shift, Dr. Bayiga’s leap may mark more than just a personal chapter—it could be a signal of deeper realignments ahead of the 2026 elections.
