diff --git a/files/scripts/updates-uptime-cmd.py b/files/scripts/updates-uptime-cmd.py
index 91b928e4e1..fc87ea72a7 100755
--- a/files/scripts/updates-uptime-cmd.py
+++ b/files/scripts/updates-uptime-cmd.py
@@ -1097,13 +1097,13 @@ def _cmd_remove_old_hosts(args):
     remove_old_hosts()
 
 def _cmd_update(args):
+    cmd = args.cmd
     # First remove machines that aren't in inventory anymore, as the playbook
     # only adds/updates them.
     if cmd != "update-daily-refresh": # Just wastes time if refresh.
         remove_old_hosts()
 
     # Now update whatever is left.
-    cmd = args.cmd
     if cmd == "update":
         cmd = "update-flush"
         if not os.path.exists(fname):