List Of Opposition MPs Who Refused To Walkout Of Parliament As The UPDF Amendment Bill Was Passed – See Why

Today, there was a big moment in Uganda’s Parliament. Most of the opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) walked out of the meeting.

They were unhappy with how the government was handling an important bill called the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Amendment Bill.

The opposition MPs said the bill was not being discussed fairly. They believed the rules of Parliament were broken and that the bill was being pushed too fast without enough talk.

Because of this, many opposition MPs left the Parliament to show their protest.But not all opposition MPs walked out. A few decided to stay and take part in the discussion.

These leaders were Hon. Abdu Katuntu, who is an Independent MP; Hon. Jimmy Lwanga from the National Unity Platform (NUP); and Hon. Jonathan Odur from the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC).

Their choice surprised many people. Most thought all opposition MPs would act together and either all stay or all walk out. But these three believed it was better to stay and speak for their people.

Hon. Abdu Katuntu said he respects his fellow MPs who walked out, but he thinks it is important to be inside Parliament and take part in the debate.

He said if he walked out, he would lose the chance to say what he thinks and to suggest changes to the bill.Hon. Jimmy Lwanga and Hon. Jonathan Odur agreed with Katuntu.

They said by staying, they could still speak against parts of the bill they do not like. They believe it is better to talk and make their points than to leave and not be heard.

The UPDF Amendment Bill is very important because it talks about how the military in Uganda is run and what powers it has. Many MPs feel this bill needs to be handled carefully and with proper discussion.