THE ruling National Resistance Movement and the opposition political parties represented in Parliament - the Forum for Democratic Change; Democratic Party; Uganda People's Congress, Conservative Party and Justice Forum (JEEMA) have over the past few months been discussing establishment of a formal inter-party dialogue forum Facilitated by The Netherlands-based organisation - The Netherlands Institute for multi-party democracy, the inter-party forum is intended to provide the political parties with a mechanism where they will dialogue on issues relating to the deepening of democracy in the country.

The Parties are this week scheduled to sign a Memorandum of Understanding formally establishing the forum, according to The Netherlands Institute for Multiparty democracy.

The establishment of a forum to foster dialogue among the major political parties is a very welcome development. One of the problems that have undermined smooth functioning of multiparty democracy in Uganda and else where in Africa is the failure of rival political actors to engage in any sort of dialogue.

In Uganda, after the 2006 elections, there was an attempt by the ruling NRM to engage the main opposition parties. The FDC, however, snubbed the talks at State House arguing, among other things, that the discussions must be held at a 'neutral' venue, be presided over by an impartial chairperson and with an agreed agenda. Subsequently the dialogue failed to take off.

In a multiparty democracy, the ruling party and the opposition are expected to work as partners, their disagreements not withstanding. But in Uganda, though, the leaders and supporters of the ruling party and the opposition are permanently at war.

The ruling NRM, with its huge parliamentary majority, appears to view the opposition as an inconvenience. The opposition, on the other hand, often is uncompromising. This is not good for multiparty democracy. Both the NRM and Opposition need to talk over issues.