diff --git a/VERSIONS b/VERSIONS
index 5d7c4b1f4..1304735ba 100644
--- a/VERSIONS
+++ b/VERSIONS
@@ -2,6 +2,11 @@
 ChucK VERSIONS log
 ------------------
 
+1.5.3.3
+=======
+- (fixed) specific internal UGen connection error now handled without exiting
+
+
 1.5.3.2 (October 2024)
 =======
 *** ChuGL maintanance patch ***
diff --git a/src/core/chuck_ugen.cpp b/src/core/chuck_ugen.cpp
index 50ac75c3f..b13365d54 100644
--- a/src/core/chuck_ugen.cpp
+++ b/src/core/chuck_ugen.cpp
@@ -553,8 +553,8 @@ t_CKBOOL Chuck_UGen::add( Chuck_UGen * src, t_CKBOOL isUpChuck )
     }
     else
     {
-        EM_error3( "(internal error) unhandled UGen add: outs: %d ins: %d", outs, ins );
-        assert( FALSE );
+        EM_error3( "(internal error) unhandled UGen =>: outs: %d ins: %d", outs, ins );
+        return FALSE; // removed assertion 1.5.3.3 (ge)
     }
 
     return TRUE;