FDC TO BOYCOTT IPOD SITTINGS
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has reiterated that it will not participate in future Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue (IPOD) summit meetings unless fundamental reforms are implemented to address human rights abuses and the country’s narrowing political space.
Speaking at the party’s weekly press briefing, FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo clarified the party’s position amid questions about its perceived boycott of IPOD activities. He stressed that FDC has never completely withdrawn from IPOD but opted out of specific engagements notably the summit due to unresolved concerns.
Kikonyogo explained that while FDC continues to participate in lower-level IPOD council meetings where meaningful dialogue takes place, the summit often attended by party leaders including President Yoweri Museveni in his capacity as NRM chairperson remains off-limits until their grievances are addressed.
He further decried the excessive focus on money and facilitation in IPOD discussions, warning that monetizing politics was undermining democratic participation and worsening political exclusion.
Kikonyogo said the FDC remains open to dialogue but demanded that the basic minimums including political freedoms, free and fair elections, and respect for opposition voices be met for full engagement to resume.
FDC was one of the founding members of IPOD but has in recent years distanced itself from top-level engagements, accusing the ruling NRM of insincerity and using the platform for window-dressing rather than genuine reforms.
