Never reaching our desk confirms that Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) led by Lop Joel Ssenyonyi staged a walkout on Tuesday in protest against what they described as an “illegal and rushed process” to push through the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill, 2025.
However, Joel Ssenyonyi criticized both the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee, accusing them of handling the bill in a hurried and opaque manner.
“This bill carries significant implications for national security and the political landscape. It should not be passed without broad-based stakeholder consultations,” Ssenyonyi told the House, calling for inclusive and deliberate scrutiny of the legislation.
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Furthermore, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Legal Committee Chairperson Stephen B. Mugabi defended the process. They cited Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, which mandate that all bills be processed within 45 days, as justification for the pace.
As most opposition MPs exited the chamber, a few, including Hon. Abdu Katuntu (Independent), Hon. Jimmy Lwanga (NUP), and Hon. Jonathan Odur (UPC), remained in the House during the session.
MP Paul Luttamaguzi (Nakaseke South) condemned what he described as “state intimidation” and “militarization” of the legislative process.
Lutamaguzi told Uncovered Ug journalists, “We won’t be intimidated by the state. This bill is being driven by two people: General Museveni and his son. The rest of the UPDF and police have no stake in it.”
In conclusion, he further criticized the deployment of armed forces around Parliament as the bill advanced toward its second and third readings.
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