The National Unity Platform (NUP) is facing public criticism following its announcement that it will sign the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) Memorandum of Understanding—ending years of boycotting the political dialogue platform.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the opposition party said the decision was prompted by recent amendments to the Political Parties and Organisations Act, which make membership in either IPOD or the Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties compulsory for all registered political parties.
“As we await the decision of the Constitutional Court, the National Unity Platform has decided to sign the current Memorandum of Understanding since it is already a member of the applicable constitutive organ by conscription of the law,” the party said.
NUP revealed that it has petitioned the Constitutional Court, challenging both the process and the content of the amendment, accusing the government of enacting the law “without consultation” and with the intent to “target and cripple” the party.
“Already, the Electoral Commission is using this law to discriminate against and cripple the operations of the National Unity Platform,” the statement added.
President Yoweri Museveni assented to the amendment in June 2025, linking access to the Shs3.1 billion political parties’ fund to participation in IPOD. Previously, NUP received about Shs800 million annually but risked losing its share after refusing to join the dialogue platform.
Although NUP insists its decision is a legal obligation, critics and supporters alike have interpreted it as a financial manoeuvre ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The announcement sparked heated reactions online. Some supporters welcomed the move, saying it would help the party secure resources to sustain its operations. “Good move to sign the current memorandum for that money and fund party activities,” wrote a user under the handle Lawyer Wa Bobi.
Others, however, saw the move as a betrayal of the party’s principles. “So you still trust the judicial system of Uganda?” asked Brian Craigs, while Komuntu Sophie commented, “Why not wait for the Constitutional Court ruling? Those drawing big salaries at the party headquarters can wait.”
“NUP has finally yielded to Museveni’s IPOD money trap,” tweeted Abbas Kazibwe, while PriEst mocked, “Aren’t you the ones fighting the government you now want funds from? Everything is zig-zag in this Ugandan opposition.”
Defending the decision, another user, Global Investigator, argued: “That is our money, not Gen. Museveni’s money.”
Political analyst Ninki Kenneth weighed in, saying, “Please @NUP_Ug, be honest and tell your supporters that Parliament amended the law to fund only parties that are members of IPOD.”
