Parliament approves bill to block funding for parties shunning dialogue

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Parliament has passed a private member’s bill seeking to deny government funding to political parties that refuse to engage in dialogue and inter-party platforms.

The bill, moved by Napak Woman MP Faith Nakut Loru, proposes that the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) be formally recognised as the official organ of the National Consultative Forum (NCF) for political parties with parliamentary representation.

Under the proposed insertion to Section 20(1) of the existing law, the governance structure of IPOD will consist of two key organs: the IPOD Summit and the IPOD Council. The bill further mandates that the Minister, by statutory instrument, shall prescribe the composition and functions of both the Summit and the Council.

Minister Kahinda Otafire arrives for plenary.

For parties without parliamentary representation, such as the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), the Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties and Organisations will be recognised as their platform for engagement.

IPOD Uganda is a platform for multi-party dialogue in Uganda, facilitated by the National Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD).

The development on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, passed with little resistance as most opposition lawmakers, led by Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi, had just stormed out of the House in protest, calling the process a sham.

Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi.

This left a few opposition MPs, including shadow justice minister and Erute South MP Jonathan Odur (UPC), to contend with the buoyant ruling party, whose members turned up in full force.

Imposing a Charge

Despite the numerical advantage, the government had to fend off accusations that it had introduced forged documents accompanying the bill.

Presenting the minority report, Odur argued that the bill contravened Article 93(a) of the Constitution, which bars Parliament from considering any bill that imposes a charge on public funds unless it is introduced on behalf of the government.

“We now therefore recommend to the House as follows: The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development be cautioned to execute the mandate of the ministry diligently and avoid night escapades of issuance of defective certificates of financial implication,” he implored.

“Parliament should avoid entangling and enabling motions and bills arising out of petty quarrels and disagreements between individuals and institutions,” he added.

Odur also raised concerns that IPOD was attempting to duplicate the functions of the Electoral Commission (EC).

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.

Defence minister Jackson Oboth Oboth and Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng, look through the rules of procedure during plenary.

He noted that key stakeholders, particularly political parties, had not been consulted—a clear violation, he said, of Article 8A of the Constitution. His concerns were, however, dismissed by Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Finance State Minister Henry Musasizi.

“I have given my ruling that it doesn’t have an effect on the Consolidated Fund on Article 93A as already stated by the legal advisor of Government and Minister of Finance,” Speaker Anita Annet Among emphasised.

Speaker Anitah Among and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

At the time of the vote, 148 members were physically present, while 49 members participated via virtual platforms.

Exclusion

Shortly afterwards, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president and Lira Municipality MP Jimmy James Akena said the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) should be blamed for shunning dialogue.

Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party president and Lira Municipality MP Jimmy James Akena.

Akena noted that although the NRM chairs both the IPOD Summit and Council, it had failed to call a single meeting over the past four years, despite a standing memorandum.

“Are we proceeding well? I have not been consulted as the leader of the summit and as a political party. That’s why I say it is diabolical, it is not being done in the interests of political players. I speak for UPC, my brother Asuman Basalirwa is not part of this, and I am thankful Mao [DP leader and justice minister] is not here to embarrass himself. This is wrong and we shall all be judged,” he said.

MPs closely following the discussions during plenary.

Defence Minister Jackson Oboth Oboth presents during plenary.

Political party heads and secretary generals are supposed to meet every six months.

“What is the disease and sickness we are correcting?” he asked.

“The provisions which are being brought now are being brought in bad faith,” Akena added.

As she paved the way for the committee stage, Speaker Anita Annet Among noted that political parties under IPOD can still petition the President not to assent to the bill.