Mao Proposes Remote Sign-Off to Clear NUP and PFF Path into IPOD

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao has tabled a new proposal aimed at easing the admission of major opposition groups into the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD). Mao suggested that political party leaders unable to attend meetings physically should be allowed to approve admission resolutions through circulated minutes.

Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), Mao addressed ongoing roadblocks concerning the participation of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF). The IPOD secretariat had previously insisted that NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, currently abroad, must attend the summit in person to finalize admission.

Mao challenged this requirement during his briefing with COSASE Chairperson Muwada Nkunyinji. He explained that physical attendance should not block political parties from engaging in national dialogue, noting that consent can be legally expressed by signing circulated documents.

The same flexible framework is expected to accommodate the PFF, whose leadership has faced detention hurdles. Mao assured lawmakers that government funding allocated for participating political parties has been securely reserved, arguing that state support helps shield local political organizations from foreign interference and external manipulation.

The proposal now shifts the focus back to NUP and PFF leadership to review the admission paperwork and determine their next course of action.

Read more details on the original report at Nile Post.