Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament Betty Nambooze Bakireke has called for a lawful and well-structured framework for
dialogue in within the nation’s political space, emphasising that discussions among political actors must be grounded in legality and mutual respect rather than fear.
Speaking during NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Nambooze reflected on the evolution of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), noting that the current framework is markedly different from its earlier format.
“The IPOD that existed initially is different from the one currently in place. Back then, I was the spokesperson for the Democratic Party (DP),” Nambooze said.
“The IPOD format which the National Unity Platform (NUP) chose not to join wasn’t a statutory body at the time. We aren’t afraid to dialogue, but we needn’t dialogue in fear. We want to dialogue in a structured way that’s within the law.”
Her remarks come just days after National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya informed IPOD of the party’s readiness to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in compliance with the recently amended Political Parties and Organisations Act (2005).
In its official response dated 10th October, 2025, IPOD acknowledged NUP’s intent but clarified that the party must first submit a written expression of interest—a procedural and legal requirement for admission.
IPOD emphasised that only after the Council considers and approves such an application can a political party formally accede to and sign the MoU.
NUP, in its communication, recognized that Parliament’s recent amendment to the Act now mandates all political parties to belong either to IPOD—for those represented in Parliament—or to the Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties and Organisations.
At the most recent IPOD Summit held at Kololo Independence Grounds, leadership of the organisation was officially handed over to the Democratic Party (DP) under Norbert Mao.
As the new chair, Mao will oversee the process of considering NUP’s application to join IPOD and subsequently access statutory party funding under the revised legal framework.
