Uganda Opposition MPs stage walkout over 'pre-determined' outcome of key bills
Ssenyonyi's statement came after reports of a ruling party meeting the previous day at State House Entebbe, where members of the National Resistance Movement agreed to pass the UPDF Bill without any changes.
Opposition Members of Parliament on Tuesday walked out of Parliament, boycotting the plenary session called to debate and pass the controversial Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025 and the Political Parties and Organisations Amendment Bill 2025.
The walkout surprised many, especially since the opposition caucus had just a day earlier resolved to attend the sitting, a shift from their usual stance of avoiding sessions involving disputed legislation.
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At the start, opposition MPs took their seats in the chamber, creating the impression they would participate in the debate.
But the atmosphere changed when the Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, stood and announced that they would not take part in what he described as a meaningless process.
"We can't be part of this. There is no room for debate," he said, before leading the MPs out of the chamber.
Uganda's opposition MPs stage a walkout from Parliament, refusing to debate the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill 2025. They protested the committee’s failure to allow adequate public participation in the legislative process. pic.twitter.com/y2QRvL2JYm
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) May 20, 2025
Ssenyonyi's statement came after reports of a ruling party meeting the previous day at State House Entebbe, where members of the National Resistance Movement agreed to pass the UPDF Bill without any changes.
The opposition argues that such decisions make parliamentary debate irrelevant and turn the House into a rubber stamp for the executive.
The two bills have raised concerns among opposition MPs and civil society groups.
Critics warn that the UPDF Amendment Bill 2025 could deepen military involvement in civilian affairs, while the Political Parties and Organisations Amendment Bill 2025 is seen as a move to suppress independent political activity and dissent.
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