The Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has filed a lawsuit against the Government of Uganda in the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala, challenging its exclusion from political party funding.
In the suit, NUP is seeking a judicial review of a directive issued by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, dated August 25, 2025.
The directive instructed the Electoral Commission (EC) to distribute political party funds exclusively to six parties recognized under the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), effectively excluding NUP.
NUP argues that this directive is illegal, unlawful, procedurally improper, and therefore null and void.
The party contends that funding should not be tied to IPOD membership, especially since NUP is an active participant in the National Consultative Forum (NCF), where its Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, serves as Deputy Chairperson.
In his sworn affidavit, Rubongoya noted that NUP has been receiving quarterly statutory funding since the 2021/22 financial year.
He further stated that the party was not consulted on the implementation of the Political Parties and Organizations Act, 2025, nor was it provided with a copy of the memorandum of understanding reportedly signed by other parties to join IPOD.
Rubongoya added that the exclusion from funding has adversely impacted the party’s operations and preparations for the 2026 general elections, including key activities ahead of the nomination of party president and presidential flag bearer, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, scheduled for September 23, 2025.
The High Court has directed both parties to file written submissions ahead of the next hearing, scheduled for October 10, 2025.
By Charles Katabalwa
30th Sept 2025
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