NUP Must Meet Legal Standards for Public Funding, States DP's Norbert Mao

Democratic Party (DP) President General Norbert Mao has emphasized that the National Unity Platform (NUP) must adhere to legal stipulations for political parties to receive public funding through the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).

Mao, who currently chairs the IPOD Summit, clarified that the funds originate from Ugandan taxpayers and are governed by parliamentary legislation. He stressed that he lacks the authority to grant exemptions to any political entity.

Speaking at a press conference, Mao asserted that NUP is eligible for the funding, provided it meets the established conditions, which include membership in IPOD. “There are those who are blaming me. ‘Mawalemede sente za NUP.’ I’m not an accounting officer in the government. The law is there. That law was passed by Parliament, and NUP was there in that Parliament,” he stated.

The core of the issue lies in the legal framework connecting public funding for parliamentary political parties with IPOD membership. NUP has previously expressed reservations about joining IPOD, citing concerns that it might legitimize President Yoweri Museveni’s administration without yielding significant political reforms.

Mao indicated that he has proposed to existing IPOD members that they convene to consider admitting NUP, along with the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT). “We have assured the members of NUP in particular that this money is Ugandan taxpayers’ money, and they are entitled to it according to the law,” he added.

He maintains that while NUP is entitled to the funds, this does not negate the obligation to satisfy the procedural requirements for their disbursement. Mao urged NUP to join the dialogue platform, stating his readiness to welcome them.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/380045/mao-says-nup-must-meet-legal-conditions-to-access-ipod-funding