The Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) has welcomed the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) newfound readiness to sign its Memorandum of Understanding but insists that the party must first follow the formal admission process before any signing can take place.
In a letter dated October 10, 2025, and addressed to the NUP Secretary General, IPOD applauded the party’s willingness to reconsider its earlier position and join the platform for structured political dialogue.
“IPOD appreciates your party’s intention to sign the Memorandum of Understanding and commends your commitment to strengthening Uganda’s multiparty democracy through constructive political dialogue,” the communication read in part.
However, the organisation was quick to clarify that signing the MoU is not an automatic step, noting that Article 5.2.7 of the governing framework requires any political party seeking to join IPOD to first submit a formal Expression of Interest in writing.
According to IPOD, that written declaration serves as the first legal and procedural step, after which the IPOD Council considers the application for approval. Only once that process is completed can a party be cleared to sign and formally accede to the MoU.
NUP recently announced its readiness to sign the MoU—marking a significant shift from its previous stance.
The party had earlier rejected the process, accusing IPOD of pushing them into what it described as a political arrangement lacking clarity and fairness.
IPOD has now advised NUP to formally write to the Secretary to Council, confirming its commitment to participate in the organisation’s dialogue mechanisms, programs and institutional processes.