The Leader of the Opposition (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has called on lawmakers behind the Political Parties and Organizations (Amendment) Bill to prioritize measures that enhance the smooth functioning of political parties, rather than introducing provisions that could suppress them.
This statement comes after Napak District Woman MP Faith Nakut, the mover of the bill, tabled the proposal in Parliament last week.
Among the provisions is one that would deny funding to political parties that abstain from participating in the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD).
However, Ssenyonyi criticized the bill, claiming it is a veiled attempt to target the National Unity Platform (NUP).
He argued that NUP cannot engage in IPOD meetings when the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) lacks the political will to address critical national issues, including human rights violations and the obstruction of opposition political activities.
Meanwhile, Ssenyonyi dismissed accusations from what he termed “opportunists” who had previously threatened legal action against him for exposing both NRM and some opposition Members of Parliament.
He had alleged that these MPs received UGX 100 million in appreciation for passing the Coffee Bill and the UPDF Act ahead of schedule.
By Francis Lubega
19th May 2025
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