The National Unity Platform (NUP) has filed a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission (EC), seeking a court order to compel the release of funds allocated under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
NUP contends that it is entitled to receive the funding since the amended Political Parties and Organisations Act, which reportedly alters fund allocation procedures, has not yet come into force. The party argues that the EC is withholding funds unlawfully and discriminating against it despite being the largest opposition party in Parliament.
However, IPOD Executive Director Lawrence Sserwambala maintains that the funds in question are strictly reserved for the six political parties currently registered as members of IPOD. He stated that NUP must fulfil certain membership conditions before it can benefit from the IPOD funding framework.
“NUP has not yet completed the formal process of joining IPOD. The funds are shared among registered member parties until such time as new members are admitted,” Sserwambala clarified.
NUP leaders have repeatedly criticised IPOD as being exclusionary, arguing that the platform should represent all registered political parties. The case adds to ongoing tensions between the opposition party and the EC over issues of fairness, transparency, and political inclusion.
The court is expected to set a hearing date soon.
