By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
On Tuesday, the Ugandan Parliament passed the contentious Political Parties and Organizations (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The legislation stipulates that only political parties and organizations subscribing to the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) will be eligible for government funding.
The bill, introduced by Napak District Woman MP Faith Nakut, aims to promote political dialogue, democratic governance, accountability, and non-violent competition among political parties and organizations.
Under the new law, access to government funding is now conditional on a party’s commitment to the principles of tolerance, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence.
Additionally, the bill establishes two new bodies under the National Consultative Forum: the Organ for Political Parties Represented in Parliament, which will serve as the IPOD platform, and a Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties and Political Organizations.
The bill was passed primarily by ruling NRM legislators after opposition MPs, led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, walked out of Parliament in protest, denouncing the process as rushed and lacking adequate consultation.
Opposition MP Jimmy Akena, who is also the UPC President, condemned the bill as “diabolical” and claimed it was introduced in bad faith. He argued that there had been insufficient stakeholder and public engagement.
Presenting a minority report, Erute South County MP Jonathan Odur described the bill as “frivolous, vexatious, unjustified, irrational, and diabolical.” He warned that it could plunge the country into political conflict, create confusion, and negatively impact the consolidated fund.
However, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka dismissed these concerns, paving the way for the bill’s passage.
Earlier in the day, the opposition Democratic Party (DP) voiced its support for the bill, arguing that it would promote dialogue and bring order among political parties, particularly those that have not participated in IPOD activities but have continued to benefit from its funding.
“This amendment is good, it’s going to create IPOD as a creature of statute and it’s no longer an NGO,” said Kenneth Nsubuga, DP Legal Advisor.
“There are some political parties in Uganda that have been playing hide and seek, today they say we’re going to IPOD and the next day they say we aren’t. Yet they continue receiving funds from government. So, what this law is saying is the you cannot eat your cake and have it,” he added.
Stephen Baka Mugabi, Chairperson of the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, defended the bill, stating that it is intended to “induce behavior change and achieve greater cohesion” among political actors.
