Ugandan Parliament Reviews Bill to Regulate Political Party Funding
Uganda’s Parliament has commenced scrutiny of the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill, 2025, a proposed law aimed at reshaping the criteria for political party funding and enhancing democratic accountability.
The Bill was introduced by Faith Nakut, the Woman MP for Napak District, during a plenary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among last Wednesday. Nakut first sought leave to introduce the Private Member’s Bill on 13 May 2025 under parliamentary Rules 127 and 128.
The amendment seeks to update the Political Parties and Organisations Act, Cap. 178, by formalising two key structures within the National Consultative Forum (NCF): the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) and a new Forum for Non-Represented Political Parties and Organisations. It also aims to define IPOD’s functions and streamline access to public funding.
Currently, government funding under Section 14 of the Act is limited to political parties represented in Parliament. However, Nakut argues that the existing law does not ensure that these parties adhere to democratic values such as tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and constructive dialogue.
“To strengthen the National Consultative Forum, we must establish organs that reflect the interests of both represented and non-represented political parties,” she said. “Parties should demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles before accessing public resources.”
The Bill’s objectives include restricting public funding to political parties and organisations that are registered members of the NCF and participate in IPOD. It also outlines IPOD’s role in promoting inter-party dialogue, advising government policy, fostering democratic governance, and providing a neutral space for engagement among parties.
Speaker Among has referred the Bill to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for detailed examination.
