diff --git a/make/py-ns-dir.mk b/make/py-ns-dir.mk
index 3529e721..44ee6024 100644
--- a/make/py-ns-dir.mk
+++ b/make/py-ns-dir.mk
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ __path__ = extend_path(__path__, __name__)
 endef
 
 # The __init__.py machinery duplicates (but is independent from) py-mod.mk
-PY_UPDATE_INIT_PY           ?= true
+PY_UPDATE_INIT_PY           ?= false
 PY_INSTALL_INIT_PY          ?= false
 
 ifneq ($(PY_UPDATE_INIT_PY),false)