Mao Urges NUP to Rejoin IPOD: 'It’s Not About the Money'
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao, has announced plans to table new legislation that will bar political parties not participating in the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) from accessing its benefits.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Democratic Party (DP), Mao emphasized that IPOD is not a cash cow, but a platform for dialogue, where parties with differing ideologies can come together to resolve issues peacefully.
“This initiative is not about receiving money from government. It’s a forum to engage, persuade, or be persuaded,” Mao said.
He revealed that only five parties currently subscribe to IPOD and that he intends to personally appeal to other political groups to join. However, once the proposed laws are enacted—expected within a week—Parliament will be asked to deny any benefits to parties that are not members.
“I am working with the Attorney General’s office to draft the new regulations. Once passed, any party not affiliated with IPOD will not access its resources,” he added.
NUP Opts Out Amid Criticism
Mao’s comments come shortly after the National Unity Platform (NUP) declined to renew its IPOD membership. The party, headquartered in Kavule, has come under fire for allegedly accepting nearly UGX 4 billion from a government it often criticizes.
NUP has cited this contradiction as a key reason for its withdrawal from IPOD, arguing that continued participation would make it complicit in wasteful spending.
DP Internal Tensions Surface
Mao also used the press conference to address internal tensions within the Democratic Party. Some party members, disgruntled by the outcomes of the recent delegates’ conference in Mbarara—where Mao was re-elected as party president—have taken legal action involving the Electoral Commission.
Mao brushed off the legal threats, noting that the DP remains open to reconciliation and continues to welcome those disillusioned by other political spaces.
“The DP is Uganda’s oldest political party. We’re a home for all who feel politically displaced—be it Besigye or Amama Mbabazi,” he remarked.
