By Aggrey BabaBarely two months of existence, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has attracted over 10,000 individuals, picking nomination forms to contest under the new party in the 2026 elections.The large number of aspirants, coming at a time when PFF’s founding leader Dr. Kizza Besigye remains in detention at Luzira Prison, has raised eyebrows in political circles and triggered renewed discussion about the state and future of the opposition in the country.Monday, Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka, the party electoral commission chairman said the response so far has exceeded expectations.“The exercise is still ongoing until the end of July, but the numbers we are seeing are beyond what we had planned for, especially considering our leader is still incarcerated on what we believe are fabricated charges,” Kabaziguruka said.He confirmed that over 10,000 people from across Uganda had already expressed interest in contesting as PFF candidates for various positions, ranging from sub-county chairpersons and town council mayors to MPs and city mayors.Aspirants are required to present a party card, a national identity card, and the endorsement of at least one proposer and five seconders. Those seeking to contest for Parliament or other higher offices must also pay nomination fees ranging from UGX 2.5 million to UGX 3 million.Kabaziguruka also outlined strict eligibility rules, noting that candidates with criminal convictions related to dishonesty or electoral misconduct within the past seven years, or those serving custodial sentences exceeding six months, will not be accepted, while individuals serving in traditional, religious or electoral offices are also disqualified unless they formally resign.The announcement came as PFF launched its official membership cards at its offices on Katonga Road. Senior party figures, including MPs Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and Francis Mwijukye, took the opportunity to pick nomination forms and reaffirm their commitment to what they called “a renewed struggle.”Ssemujju, who is seeking a fourth term in Parliament, representing Kira Municipality, criticised fellow opposition MPs who have remained silent on national issues, accusing some of abandoning the role of defending the people.“There are those who are simply enjoying the office. Others are just seated in Parliament and have forgotten why we are there,” Ssemujju said.Buhweju County MP Mwijukye echoed the same view, saying the country is in a war between the oppressors and the oppressed.While PFF leaders say their focus is on building a people-led movement, the number of aspirants lining up to run under the new party has sparked concern among other opposition camps, especially the National Unity Platform (NUP), which currently holds the largest number of opposition seats in Parliament.Although PFF is yet to openly position itself against NUP, political observers say the sheer scale of its mobilisation effort and the profile of some of its leaders may affect how the opposition front shapes up ahead of 2026.At the moment, the PFF has not endorsed a presidential candidate, but Kabaziguruka confirmed that nomination for that position will follow the same procedures and academic requirements as other offices, with an A-Level or equivalent qualification as the minimum.Kabaziguruka said all presidential aspirants will be vetted according to the Constitution, and those found to have been convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or dishonesty within seven years preceding the election will not be cleared.With the party now rolling out a nationwide nomination exercise, observers say the PFF’s presence in local and national races could significantly influence voting patterns, especially in areas where Dr. Besigye has historically enjoyed strong support.While it remains too early to predict the long-term impact, the volume of interest in PFF’s ticket is already drawing attention to the broader dynamics within the opposition.The next few weeks will determine how far the party can spread its roots across the country. But as the proverb goes, “When the roots begin to grip the earth, even the tallest tree begins to sway.”