By Tolit Ivan
The Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) has resolved to admit the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) as its newest member parties.
The decision follows NUP’s formal application to join IPOD in June this year, marking a significant shift from the party’s long-standing opposition to the political dialogue platform.
For years, NUP maintained that it would not join IPOD, arguing that the forum had become a tool for legitimizing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
However, the party softened its stance following amendments to the Political Parties and Organizations Act, which made IPOD membership a requirement for political parties to qualify for government funding.
As a result, NUP lost access to approximately UGX 5 billion in annual public financing previously disbursed through the Electoral Commission.
Public funding for political parties in Uganda is allocated according to parliamentary representation, with the NRM receiving the largest share because it holds the majority of seats in Parliament.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General, confirmed that the IPOD Council has approved the admission of NUP and ANT into the organization. Todwong said the two parties will now be eligible to receive government funding to support their operations under the law, urging all member parties to cooperate in promoting constructive political dialogue.
