Nsereko: “NUP took the easy way out” on UPDF Bill debate

• Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko condemned the National Unity Platform (NUP) MPs for their mass walkout during the passing of the controversial UPDF Amendment Bill 2025.
• Nsereko questioned NUP’s selective engagement in parliamentary matters while accepting government funding.

The Member of Parliament for Kampala Central, Hon Muhammad Nsereko, has criticized legislators from Uganda’s most prominent opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP). This controversy comes from the conduct of the MPs during the recent passage of the UPDF Amendment Bill.

There has been backlash regarding this proposed legislation, which permits the trial of citizens in military courts for various offenses perceived as militaristic. Initially, it was anticipated that opposition MPs would mount a vigorous resistance in Parliament and strongly contest this legislative change.

However, on the crucial day, all NUP MPs chose to walk out, allowing NRM MPs a clear path to proceed with their intentions, leading to the law’s enactment. Nsereko described this action as cowardly, hypocritical, and foolish on the part of the NUP MPs, asserting that he sees no issue with being present to contest the law since it is part of an MP’s duty.

The legislator, who was once part of the NRM but is now an independent, stated that he officially opposed the law, a point that the NUP MPs can claim as a distinction. He further questioned the selective nature of their boycotts, referencing the IPOD funding.

Nsereko remarked that NUP is willing to boycott legislative meetings while simultaneously accepting funds intended for political parties.

He expressed his confusion over why taxpayer money is allocated to support political party initiatives, stating that if he were in a position of authority, he would eliminate it.

“Why is there a problem with attending a meeting and voicing disagreement? For example, the NUP MPs recently walked out of a plenary session concerning the UPDF Amendment Act. I remained, opposed it, and provided my comments, which are officially recorded. I find this behavior highly hypocritical as they selectively choose what to participate in and what to ignore. They accept funds for political parties while disregarding plenary meetings. If a party receives taxpayers’ money, it ought to be subject to accountability and audit, which currently does not happen. Indeed, if I had the authority, I would abolish funding political parties with taxpayers’ money,” Nsereko articulated.