DP's Mao blasts FDC for opting out of IPOD meeting

JORDAN MUBANGIZI 

Democratic Party president Norbert Mao has lashed out at political players opposed to tomorrow’s Inter Party Organisation for Dialogue meeting scheduled for December 13 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Specifically, Mao criticised the Forum for Democratic Change which has said it will not be part of the summit expected to be attended by President Museveni.

“It is unfortunate that some of our members are saying all sorts of things about tomorrow's summit. They have nothing to offer and they still criticise what we have managed to put on board," Mao said in words clearly aimed at FDC.

FDC opted out of the meeting saying it had no clear agenda.

Mao said FDC’s gesture is destructive.

“I talked to FDC and they told me why they will not be attending. But in my opinion that is bad. They should have attended no matter what. They need to understand that some times you have to talk to the people you don’t like and do things you don’t love for the sake of the struggle," said Mao.

Among the many things IPOD has consistently advocated for over the last 8 years has been electoral reforms.

Mao said that with 2021 fast approaching and with limited platforms for advocacy available, IPOD is an ideal opportunity to voice the concerns of the oppositions on electoral reforms and other biting issues in the country.

“Don’t judge us before the summit. Give us chance and ask the questions tomorrow”, Mao said.

IPOD was established in 2010 to allow political parties with representation in Parliament dialogue consistently on the challenges facing the country.