Party says it’s “strategic compliance,” not cooperation with Museveni
In a twist that has stirred political debate, the National Unity Platform (NUP) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding under the National Consultative Forum (NCF) — a move that could now see the opposition party access government funding through a system it has long condemned.
This follows Parliament’s amendment of the Political Parties and Organisations Act, making it compulsory for all political parties to belong either to the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) or the Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties. Both entities now fall under the National Consultative Forum, a statutory body that coordinates and funds political parties’ activities.
NUP, which currently serves as Deputy Chairperson of the NCF, has been forced into the arrangement despite previously boycotting IPOD, accusing it of being a political trap designed to legitimize President Museveni’s rule under the guise of “dialogue.”
“We had no choice,” says NUP
In an official statement issued on Thursday, NUP explained that signing the MoU does not mean cooperation with the Museveni regime but rather a temporary legal requirement as it awaits the Constitutional Court’s decision on its petition challenging the law.
“The National Unity Platform has decided to sign the current Memorandum of Understanding since it is already a member of the applicable organ by conscription of the law,” the statement reads.
According to NUP, refusing to sign would have given the Electoral Commission grounds to frustrate the party’s operations, including participation in elections and access to statutory political funding.
Irony and Political Tension
Under the new law, all parties recognized under the NCF — including the NRM, FDC, UPC, DP, JEEMA, and now NUP — are entitled to a share of government funding disbursed annually to political parties.
This means NUP, the country’s strongest opposition party and one of the fiercest critics of Museveni’s government, could now receive money from the same state coffers it has repeatedly accused of corruption and abuse of power.
Political commentators say this creates a political dilemma for NUP — being forced to take part in a structure that blurs the line between strategic survival and political compromise.
“This amendment corners the opposition,” said one political analyst. “If they refuse to join, they risk being deregistered or blocked. If they comply, they’re accused of benefiting from the same system they criticize.”
Court Battle Still On
NUP has already filed a Constitutional Petition challenging both the process and substance of the new law, arguing that no political party was consulted and that the changes were tailored to weaken NUP’s independence.
The party says it will continue to push for a quick determination of the petition, insisting that its current participation in the NCF is purely “strategic compliance” until the courts pronounce themselves.
“For now, we’re only following the law as it is, but our principles remain unchanged,” the statement emphasized.
EXPLAINER: What You Need to Know
What is the National Consultative Forum (NCF)?
The NCF is a government-recognized platform created under the Political Parties and Organisations Act. It brings together all registered political parties for consultation, coordination, and funding of political activities.
It also supervises two organs —
IPOD (Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue), which brings together parties with representation in Parliament.
Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties, for those without seats in Parliament.
Both have now been placed under the NCF by law.
How Do Political Parties Get Government Funding?
Every financial year, the government allocates money under the Political Parties and Organisations Act to support party activities.
The Electoral Commission disburses these funds through the NCF.
Previously, parties could choose to participate or not.
Under the new amendment, membership is mandatory, meaning every registered party — including NUP — must now be part of the NCF structure to receive funding or operate legally.
Why NUP Is Concerned
NUP believes the amendment was passed without consultation and specifically designed to target them.
They argue the law is being used to limit their autonomy and control opposition activities.
The party has taken the matter to the Constitutional Court and says its participation is temporary until the court rules.
In short, NUP may now legally receive government funding, but the party insists it’s not a willing partnership — only a forced compliance with a law they’re still fighting to overturn.
