Opposition MPs boycott plenary over 'rushed' UPDF Bill
LoP Joel Ssenyonyi lead opposition MPs to march out plenary in protest over "rushed handling" of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill and the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill. Photo | lbrahim Kavuma
What you need to know:
- The opposition accused the government of fast-tracking the critical Bill without allowing adequate time for public consultations.
Opposition Members of Parliament, led by Leader of the Opposition, Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, have boycotted today’s plenary session in protest of the "rushed handling" of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill and the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill.
The opposition accused the government of fast-tracking the two critical Bills without allowing adequate time for public consultations.
Making his presentation on the floor of parliament, Mr Ssenyonyi argued that the legislation carries significant implications for national security and the political environment, and should not be passed without broad stakeholder engagement.
LoP Joel Ssenyonyi faces off with Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja during plenary to discuss the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill and the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill on May 20, 2025. Photo | lbrahim Kavuma
Despite the protest, the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and the chairperson legal committee, Mr Baja Stephen Mugabi defended the timeline, stating that the rules of procedure require the Bills to be processed within 45 days.
LoP Joel Ssenyonyi lead opposition MPs to march out plenary in protest over "rushed handling" of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill and the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill on May 21, 2025. Photo | lbrahim Kavuma
They maintained that tabling and passing the Bills in a single day is legally permissible.
Although the opposition MPs walked out, the House proceeded with business as scheduled.
Compiled by Damali Mukhaye, Busein Samilu & Sylivia Katushabe
