Africa-Press – Uganda. The president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Jimmy Akena, has criticised the management of the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD), accusing it of mishandling funds meant to support political parties.
Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters, Akena said IPOD is “suffering from bad management,” particularly in the way it administers financial resources intended to facilitate multiparty democracy.
He noted that concerns about the handling of funds have been raised repeatedly but remain unaddressed.
Akena also faulted amendments to laws governing political party financing, arguing that the changes were introduced without sufficient consultation and have weakened what was initially an equitable system based on parliamentary representation.
“The original funding mechanism was clear and equitable, but it has since been distorted,” he said, adding that several parties have not received funding since the 2021 general elections, raising uncertainty as the country moves toward the 2026 polls.
He further questioned the transparency of campaign financing by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), citing what he described as widespread and visible expenditure during election periods.
“Ugandans need to know where the money used in elections comes from. You see campaign materials everywhere, but there is no clear accountability,” Akena said.
The UPC leader also alleged that the NRM’s involvement in IPOD may be aimed at influencing or weakening opposition parties, though he clarified that this was his personal assessment.
He stressed that strong and well-funded political parties are essential to a functioning democratic system, warning that weakening party financing structures could undermine governance and policy development.
Akena raised additional concerns about large, unexplained cash flows within the economy, questioning how significant sums of money circulate without detection by financial oversight institutions. He linked the issue to broader concerns about corruption and accountability in public systems.
Despite acknowledging financial constraints within UPC, Akena said the party is preparing to compete in the upcoming elections and remains confident in its policy platform.
Efforts to obtain a response from the NRM and IPOD leadership were not immediately successful by press time.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
