Politics 13 November 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Kiwanda and IPOD Leaders Adopt National Dialogue Framework Following Talks with Gen Saleh

Political leaders under IPOD and NCF have adopted a new consociational democracy framework following talks hosted by Gen Salim Saleh, despite major opposition parties boycotting the meeting. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kiwanda-ipod-leaders-adopt-national-dialogue-framework-after-saleh-talks-as-key-opposition-parties-stay-away-5670446

Political party representatives under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) and the National Consultative Forum (NCF) have agreed to integrate the proposed Consociational Democracy Agreement into the broader Uganda National Dialogue framework. The resolution followed high-level consultations hosted by General Caleb Akandwanaho, widely known as Salim Saleh, at his Kirema Heritage Farm in Nakaseke District.

According to a joint statement issued by NCF Chairman Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi, IPOD Council Chairman Gerald Blacks Siranda, and framework team leader Prof Ogenga Otunnu, the initiative aims to address Uganda’s political governance challenges and foster national consensus. Proponents of the consociational model argue that structured power-sharing and consultative arrangements are essential to bridge deep-seated political divides and tackle historical socio-economic grievances.

However, the Nakaseke gathering faced immediate pushback and a total boycott from major opposition groups, including the Forum for Democratic Change and the National Unity Platform. FDC president Patrick Oboi Amuriat criticized the choice of venue, arguing that holding political talks at a private farm violates prior agreements requiring a neutral convenor, a well-defined agenda, and a neutral setting. He contrasted the Nakaseke meeting with a more accessible retreat previously held in Jinja.

Meanwhile, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya reiterated his party’s long-standing refusal to engage with IPOD activities, confirming that NUP formally declined the invitation. Additional criticism came from Revolutionary People’s Party leader Frank Bulira, who questioned the transparency of IPOD funding and accused the platform of operating under the shadow of the ruling government. Organizers maintain that the newly adopted framework will remain open for broader stakeholder engagement once internal consultations conclude.