ANT weighs IPOD membership after securing first MP seat

KAMPALA - The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) has initiated the process of joining the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), a platform that brings together both opposition and ruling parties to promote political engagement and cooperation in Uganda.

The move follows ANT’s first parliamentary victory since its formation on March 19, 2019, after Ismail Kasule was elected Member of Parliament for Hoima City West Division in Hoima district last week.

Party leader Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu said ANT will first convene an election review meeting involving all party executive members before making a final decision on joining IPOD. He said the party’s official position will be announced in early February 2026.  

Muntu, a long-time advocate for the peaceful transition of power and a critic of the government’s economic management, said preparations were underway to convene the interim committee to deliberate on the matter.

“We thank God for Kasule, but we are going to do an internal audit process of the election results and processes after which we shall consider our position on the matter, but the process starts today,” Muntu said.

ANT’s decision to engage IPOD is viewed as a strategic step aimed at strengthening opposition participation and fostering unity, according to Nelson Agaba, the party’s national youth coordinator and official campaign agent.

Addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Agaba said ANT was seeking to strengthen its voice on national issues affecting Ugandans within a multiparty system where minority views are often overlooked.

ANT has in recent years explored collaboration with other opposition parties, including the People’s Front for Freedom, the National Unity Platform, the Democratic Party and Justice Forum.

The decision marks a shift in ANT’s political approach, given its previous distance from the Forum for Democratic Change, a key participant in IPOD. Muntu resigned from FDC in 2018, citing strategic differences.

ANT to account for campaign funds

The party also announced that it will account for all campaign funds received from individual contributors, underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability.

During the launch of campaigns in Mbarara City, Muntu appealed for financial support from party supporters and well-wishers to fund ANT’s 2026 election activities.

“We acknowledge receiving unspecified sums of money and other donations that were given to the party to conduct its activities during the time of great need,” he said.

ANT officials attributed the party’s financial constraints to deliberate actions by the ruling establishment, but said public support had enabled the party to continue operating.

“ANT advocates for changes in the existing law on political party financing, deeming it unfair for the political parties to give out money to the public instead of the public expecting money from leaders,” he said.

Muntu decries increasing voter apathy

Muntu also expressed concern about increasing voter apathy ahead of local government elections scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026.

“This is a worrying trend to find that 10 million voters never showed up at the polling stations, which is undermining the country's democratic process,” Muntu observed.

He urged Ugandans to participate in elections, warning that low voter turnout weakens representation and accountability.

His remarks come amid reports of declining voter participation, with some citizens citing disillusionment with the political process and mistrust in institutions.