FDC demands return of IPOD to its founding purpose

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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has criticised the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), accusing it of straying from its original mission and becoming what they described as “a political money-clearing house”.

John Kikonyogo, the FDC deputy spokesperson, made the remarks on Monday, July 14, at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala.

Kikonyogo expressed frustration over what he termed as the systematic erosion of IPOD’s core values, which were once seen as instrumental in strengthening Uganda’s multiparty democracy.

“IPOD was meant to be a platform where political parties, regardless of their ideologies, could come together and engage in meaningful dialogue for the betterment of this country,” said Kikonyogo.

Original purpose

Established in 2010 with support from the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), IPOD was designed to foster dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation among political parties represented in Uganda’s Parliament.

Its core aims included promoting consensus-building on key national issues such as electoral reforms, human rights, and the rule of law; reducing political tensions through structured dialogue between opposition parties and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM); and creating a peaceful political environment rooted in mutual respect, non-violence, and inclusive governance.

IPOD also aimed to strengthen Uganda’s multiparty system by ensuring all political parties had a voice in national discussions, and to build the professional capacity of parties by improving internal democracy, leadership, and strategy.

In its early years, IPOD was commended for creating rare opportunities for government and opposition figures to meet at the same table. Debates on crucial issues such as electoral law reform and public order management were held, though sometimes met with resistance from the ruling party.

Decline in relevance

However, Kikonyogo argued that IPOD’s relevance has steadily declined, especially after the 2016 general elections. He said it had become more associated with government funding and superficial engagements.

According to Kikonyogo, the IPOD seen today is far removed from the platform initially envisioned. He noted that meetings now lack substance, have predetermined outcomes, and no longer uphold a spirit of sincerity.

“Money has taken centre stage where parties are more interested in allowances than nation-building,” he said. “Political party leaders go there to eat food, share money, and take pictures with President Museveni, nothing else,” he added.

Since 2018, FDC has boycotted all IPOD-organised summits attended by President Yoweri Museveni, citing a lack of commitment to genuine reforms and shrinking political space. Other opposition parties, including the National Unity Platform (NUP), have similarly distanced themselves from IPOD, arguing that it merely legitimises authoritarianism under the guise of dialogue.

“There was a time one member came to the summit at 1:00pm, yet the meeting was supposed to start at 10:00am,” Kikonyogo said. “He thinks he is helping other political parties, yet we are the same,” he added.

Call for reform

The FDC is now calling for IPOD to return to its original purpose. The party is demanding the revival of meaningful, binding discussions, particularly around electoral and constitutional reforms, equal representation without NRM dominance, and greater transparency in decision-making and fund allocation.

According to Kikonyogo, Uganda deserves a platform where ideas, not bribes or threats, shape the country’s political future. He stressed that IPOD must become a true forum for dialogue rather than a comfort zone for political elites.

The letter of non-participation

In a letter dated December 5, 2018, addressed to the executive secretary of IPOD, the FDC cited the failure to implement agreed-upon issues, such as enacting constitutional and electoral reforms outlined in the Uganda Citizens’ Compact on Free and Fair Elections, as a key reason for withdrawal.

“We therefore wonder what has changed to guarantee future compliance with the resolution(s) of IPOD,” said Patrick Oboi Amuriat, the FDC party president who signed the letter.

The letter also noted: “We are troubled by the current hostile political environment across the country, especially towards us, that does not offer a conducive environment for FDC to actively participate in the Summit. Abuse of human rights, the cessation of FDC party activities (e.g., Kasese tour, Rukungiri thanksgiving and memorial service, and Mbarara welcome and mobilisation rally), and the harassment of our leaders by the relevant authorities are some of the issues that need to be addressed without further delay. This, in our view, does not require any discussion to sort out.”

This marked the last time FDC participated in an IPOD summit.