Parliamentary Walkout: Opposition's Mistake or Strategic Move?

Ugandan Opposition MPs Walk Out of Parliament During UPDF Amendment Bill Debate Uganda's Parliament witnessed heightened political tension on May 21, 2025, during debates surrounding the UPDF Amendment Bill. Opposition members staged a walkout, protesting what they termed 'undemocratic' procedures. The walkout sparked immediate controversy, with government officials and analysts offering varied interpretations. Hon. Juliet Kakande, a prominent figure in the ruling party, strongly condemned the opposition's actions. "That was a big mistake," she stated in an interview with Sanyuka TV's Morning Xpress. Kakande argued the walkout undermined parliamentary processes and hindered constructive dialogue on a vital piece of legislation. The opposition's rationale for their walkout remains a subject of ongoing discussion. While they cited concerns about the bill's potential impact on democracy, government officials countered that the opposition's actions were disruptive and lacked justification. The incident underscores the deep divisions within Uganda's political landscape. The UPDF Amendment Bill itself is expected to continue facing intense scrutiny and debate in the coming weeks. The opposition's walkout, however, served as a stark reminder of the challenges to consensus-building in the Ugandan Parliament.