The National Unity Platform (NUP) has reaffirmed its refusal to join the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), despite recent legal amendments tying political party funding to participation in the platform.
IPOD, created in 2009 and officially incorporated in 2021, was designed to foster dialogue among Uganda’s political parties. However, NUP’s deputy spokesperson, Mr. Waiswa Mufumbiro, emphasized on Wednesday that the party will not be pressured into what he described as “coerced engagement,” stating their commitment lies in resisting authoritarianism, not in accessing public funds.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
His remarks come in the wake of President Museveni’s June 15 assent to the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Act, 2025. Under the law, only political parties that are full IPOD members and actively participate in its structures will qualify for the annual government disbursement of Shs3.1 billion.
Following this, IPOD convened a meeting on Monday at State Lodge, Nakasero, chaired by President Museveni in his capacity as NRM party head. Representatives from the Democratic Party, Uganda People’s Congress, and the NRM were in attendance. Gerald Siranda, the DP secretary general, noted that the meeting was intended to align with the new legal requirements and prepare for IPOD’s integration into the National Consultative Forum (NCF).
The amended law now requires political parties to sign the IPOD memorandum of understanding and participate in its activities—including summits involving all party leaders—if they are to receive public funding. Additionally, the Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties has also been incorporated into the NCF structure.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao reinforced compliance efforts by directing the Electoral Commission to suspend all party funding pending further guidance, a move he later confirmed. He pledged to finalize statutory instruments within three weeks.
Despite IPOD’s legal prominence, it has long faced challenges attracting universal participation. Both NUP and the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) declined to join after the 2021 elections, citing concerns that IPOD serves ruling party interests.
NUP’s continued resistance—despite new financial consequences—signals its resolve to maintain political independence. The party has instead launched a Shs9 billion fundraising campaign to support its 2026 election efforts and internal operations.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
