Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena has accused the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) of undermining fair political competition by failing to release funds meant to support political parties during the recently concluded general election.
Akena said IPOD’s alleged failure to disburse resources disadvantaged opposition parties and compromised the principle of equal political participation.
“IPOD did not remit funds to support party activities as legally mandated, and this affected our ability to mobilise and effectively engage in the electoral process,” Akena said.
The UPC secured 12 parliamentary seats in the election, a performance Akena described as significant but below the party’s potential.
He stressed that timely access to funding is essential for political parties to organise grassroots structures, conduct campaigns, and communicate with voters.
“Timely access to funding is critical for mobilisation and effective participation. Without those resources, parties are constrained in their operations,” he said.
Akena added that the delay raises concerns about IPOD’s commitment to ensuring inclusive democratic processes and maintaining a level playing field among political actors.
“If the funds had been released on time, our political performance would have been stronger, and we could have won more elective positions,” he said.
IPOD is a platform that brings together political parties to promote dialogue, cooperation, and democratic governance.
It also facilitates the allocation of public funds to support party activities, in line with Uganda’s legal framework on political party financing.
There was no immediate response from IPOD officials regarding the allegations. UPC, one of Uganda’s oldest political parties, said it will continue strengthening its structures and engaging supporters as it prepares for future political contests.