The National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s largest opposition party, faces a significant financial challenge following the enactment of the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Act, 2025. Passed by Parliament on May 20, this law links government funding to political parties’ adherence to democratic principles such as tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and active participation in the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
The amendment to Section 14 of the Political Parties and Organisations Act restricts public funding exclusively to parties represented in Parliament that comply with these conditions. This move is widely seen as targeting NUP, which has consistently refused to join IPOD, citing its alignment with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Currently, NUP receives over Shs 3.1 billion annually from the government for party administration, mobilisation, media campaigns, and grassroots activities. Under the new law, failure to comply with IPOD membership and democratic conduct requirements will result in withdrawal of these funds, potentially crippling NUP’s operations ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Opposition MPs and legal experts have condemned the law as unconstitutional and a tool to suppress dissent, with some describing it as “diabolical” and crafted in bad faith. The Electoral Commission is now tasked with reviewing funding eligibility under the new criteria, placing urgent pressure on NUP to either join IPOD or challenge the law in court.
