By TV10 Deep State Political Desk
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has reiterated its stance against joining the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), despite new legislation linking party funding to IPOD participation. Established in 2009 and formally incorporated in 2021, IPOD aims to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among Uganda’s diverse political parties.
NUP’s deputy spokesperson, Mr. Waiswa Mufumbiro, emphasized on Wednesday that the party will not be swayed into what he termed “coerced engagement.” He stated that their priority is resisting authoritarianism, not accessing public funds. This statement follows 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 Shs 3.1 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 Karuhanga Siranda was not mentioned however the DP’s information available shows a Gerald Siranda is 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 the ruling party’s interests.
NUP’s continued resistance, despite new financial consequences, signals its resolve to maintain political independence. The party has instead launched a Shs 9 billion fundraising campaign to support its 2026 election efforts and internal operations.
