Mao pleads with NUP to rejoin IPOD, says dialogue is greater than govt cash

• Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has urged all political parties—particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP)—to rejoin the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD), stressing that the forum is meant for peaceful political engagement, not financial gain. 
• Mao revealed that he is working with the Attorney General to introduce legislation that will exclude non-member parties from benefiting from IPOD. 

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has expressed his willingness to appeal to all political parties to participate in the Inter Party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD). During a press conference held by the Democratic Party (DP), Mao stated that party members should understand that joining the organization does not involve receiving financial benefits; rather, it serves as a platform for individuals with differing opinions to meet and resolve their disagreements peacefully.

Furthermore, he mentioned that he is collaborating with the Attorney General’s office to formulate new legislation that will facilitate the functioning of IPOD and help it reach its objectives. Consequently, any party that remains outside of IPOD will not benefit from its rewards.

Mao emphasized that in a week, the proposed laws will be implemented, and he will urge Parliament to prohibit any non-member party from receiving benefits from IPOD.

Currently, Mao noted that only five parties are part of the organization.

“I am prepared to plead with all political parties to join IPOD. They should realize that this initiative is not solely about receiving funds from the government’s budget. It is instead a forum where individuals with different perspectives can convene and resolve their issues peacefully. It is an opportunity to persuade others of your viewpoints or to be persuaded yourself,” Mao remarked.

“At this moment, I’m collaborating with the Attorney General’s office to develop new regulations governing IPOD that will be enacted in a week. Any party not affiliated with IPOD will be barred by Parliament from benefiting from its resources. Currently, only five parties are members, so I urge all other parties that have not yet joined to participate,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that the National Unity Platform (NUP) recently chose not to renew its membership. This decision follows criticism for accepting nearly 4 billion shillings while simultaneously condemning the government that provides these funds.

To avoid being complicit in this perceived waste, the Kavule-based party has yet to reaffirm its commitment to IPOD.

Meanwhile, Mao also welcomed fellow DP members who were dissatisfied with the party’s recent delegates conference in Mbarara, where he was reelected as party president. He ridiculed them for seeking legal recourse alongside the Electoral Commission.

However, he noted that reconciliation remains an option, emphasizing that Uganda’s oldest political party is always welcoming to those left without a political home, mentioning figures like Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Amama Mbabazi.