The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), headquartered in Najjankumbi, is at a crossroads regarding its affiliation with the Interparty Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD).
Speaking at a press conference in Kampala, Mr. John Kikonyogo, the party spokesperson, disclosed that FDC has not yet decided to renew its membership with IPOD, following the expiration of the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year.
Mr. Kikonyogo emphasized that the National Executive Committee (NEC) is yet to convene and officially communicate the party’s stance on signing the 2022-2026 MoU with IPOD.
Expressing reluctance, he commented on IPOD’s diminished utility, stating that it has become more of a symbolic gesture than a platform serving its intended purpose.
“IPOD is no longer useful like it used to be. It is more of showing pictures that we are with other parties and what have you, instead of doing what it is supposed to do,” said Mr. Kikonyogo, highlighting concerns about cosmetic use by President Museveni for political optics.
If FDC opts out of IPOD, it may align with the National Unity Platform (NUP), which rejected IPOD, arguing that it serves the regime’s political agenda rather than fostering multiparty democracy in Uganda.
NUP leaders contend that in the decade of IPOD’s existence, the democratic space in Uganda has contracted.
Although FDC has not formally committed to the new MoU (2022-2026), Mr. Lawrence Serwambala, the executive director of IPOD, clarified that FDC is still recognized as a member until it communicates otherwise.