Uganda’s Parliament has passed the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introducing new legal requirements that tie government funding of political parties to their active participation in democratic forums such as the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
The Bill, which was introduced on May 14, 2025, by Hon. Faith Nakut, the Woman Representative for Napak District, was passed during a plenary sitting chaired by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
According to the amendments, only political parties and organisations represented in Parliament that hold official membership in IPOD, a platform for structured inter-party dialogue, will be eligible to receive government funding. The new law is also intended to promote tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and constructive political engagement.
The new law revises Section 20 of the principal Act to give IPOD legal recognition as a statutory organ of the National Consultative Forum (NCF). IPOD will now serve as the formal body for resolving political disputes, managing inter-party relations, and providing a platform for parties to discuss legislative and policy matters.
Hon. Stephen Baka, the Chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, presented the committee’s report supporting the amendments, saying they will reduce political violence and promote a stable and inclusive political environment.
“When political parties commit to principles of tolerance and dialogue, it reduces the likelihood of conflicts, violence, and divisive politics,” Baka said. He also praised IPOD’s role in facilitating communication between government, opposition, and minority parties since its inception in 2009.
The law further mandates the creation of a parallel forum under IPOD for political organisations not represented in Parliament, ensuring that all registered parties remain engaged in national dialogue processes.
The Bill did face resistance from a section of lawmakers. Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC, Erute County South) presented a minority report, arguing that the Bill contravenes Article 93 of the Constitution, which prohibits Parliament from passing private members’ bills that impose a charge on the Consolidated Fund.
However, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka dismissed these concerns, asserting that the amendments fall within the constitutional mandate of Parliament under Article 72(3), which empowers Parliament to regulate political party financing and operations.
Speaker Anita Among also clarified that the amendments do not change the overall allocation of political party funds, but merely establish a criteria for access.
“We have been providing money for political parties in the House. This law simply says: if you do not want to cooperate and participate in IPOD, then you will not get the money,” said Speaker Among.
The Bill now awaits presidential assent to become law. Once signed, it will fundamentally reshape how public funds are distributed to political parties—potentially excluding non-compliant parties such as those that have historically shunned IPOD participation.
As the political fallout continues, opposition figures have signaled their intent to challenge the law in court, citing constitutional violations and fears of entrenching political discrimination.