The National Unity Platform (NUP) has sued the Electoral Commission (EC), seeking a court order to compel the release of funds allocated under the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
In its petition, NUP argues that it is legally entitled to receive the funding, noting that the amended Political Parties and Organisations Act which changes the procedures for fund distribution has not yet taken effect.
The party accuses the EC of unlawfully withholding the money and discriminating against it despite being the largest opposition party in Parliament.
However, IPOD Executive Director Lawrence Sserwambala insists that the funds are reserved exclusively for the six political parties that are officially registered as IPOD members.
He explained that NUP has not yet completed the formal process of joining the platform.
“The funds are shared among registered member parties until new members are admitted,” Sserwambala said.
NUP leaders have long criticised IPOD for what they describe as an exclusionary framework, arguing that the platform should accommodate all registered political parties.
The lawsuit adds to ongoing tensions between NUP and the Electoral Commission over issues of fairness, transparency, and political inclusion.
The court is expected to set a hearing date soon.
