KAMPALA
Opposition Members of Parliament, led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, boycotted Monday’s plenary session in protest against what they described as the “rushed handling” of two controversial pieces of legislation.
The lawmakers objected to the expedited processing of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill and the Political Parties and Organisations (Amendment) Bill, accusing the government of denying the public an opportunity for adequate consultation.
“These Bills carry serious implications for our national security and political space,” Ssenyonyi said during his address on the floor before walking out. “We cannot rubber-stamp such crucial legislation without inclusive stakeholder engagement.”
The protest did little to derail parliamentary proceedings. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and Legal Committee Chairperson Stephen Mugabi Baja defended the timeline, citing Parliament’s rules of procedure, which require Bills to be handled within 45 days of introduction.
“The law allows for the tabling and passing of these Bills in a single day,” said Mugabi, insisting due process was followed.
Despite the opposition’s absence, the House continued with its scheduled business, signaling the government’s determination to push through the legislation amid growing political tensions.
