The High Court has dismissed the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) application challenging the government’s disbursement of funds to political parties under the Inter-party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), effectively confirming that the opposition party will not receive any share of the latest funding round.
Justice Collins Achelam, in a ruling delivered on October 29, 2025, found that the funds in question had already been released and that there was therefore no legal basis for halting the process.
The ruling means that only parties that signed the IPOD memorandum of understanding — including the NRM, UPC, FDC, DP, JEEMA, and PPP — will continue to access the government financing.
NUP remains excluded after declining to join the platform.
According to the Electoral Commission, a total of Shs11 billion was recently distributed among eligible political parties with representation in Parliament.
NUP’s potential share, estimated at Shs1.4 billion, was instead redistributed among the IPOD-affiliated parties.
The IPOD Executive Secretary, Dr Lawrence Sserwambala, confirmed that another tranche of funds for the second quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year is due next week and will again be limited to member parties.
The decision is a setback for NUP as it gears up for nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Party insiders say the exclusion has constrained operational activities, including preparations for candidate nominations.
Across the nation, NUP candidates have been engaging in fundraising to boost their finances on the campaign trai.
NUP Secretary-General Lewis Rubongoya said the party would remain focused while awaiting judgment in a separate case challenging the IPOD funding framework.
He appealed to supporters and well-wishers to continue backing the party as it navigates the current challenges.
Over the past four years, NUP has reportedly received Shd22 billion in funding from the Electoral Commission.
This is the first time it has been excluded from state disbursements to political parties.
