The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The suspended MPs refused to leave and security personnel, including soldiers from President Museveni’s SFG physically and forcefully dragged them out. A melee that ensued left some MPs collapsing in shock and some ended up in hospital for months from the kicks and punches from soldiers. When the Bill returned on October 3, there was no protest because opposition MPs had boycotted. When on December 18, the minority and main report on the constitutional amendment were presented in parliament; there was only a whimper of opposition and Ssewanyana’s antics. The opposition’s back was broken. The constitutional age-limit was gone. Museveni, was once again getting his way. But what does Museveni, who has been in power for 31 years; hope to gain by staying in power a few more years? When he met the Oboth-Oboth’s committee which was scrutinising the Bill to remove age-limits and the MPs suggested an extension of their term from five years to seven, Museveni hinted on why he believes in staying longer in power. According to him, there is still a lot to do.
“It took America more than a century and a half while developing their economy and political class to put presidential term limits in their constitution. When they finally did so in 1947, everything they wanted had happened. They had developed, the colonies had integrated,” he said. “But here; what has happened? In Africa you behave like we are running countries and yet we are creating countries.” It is an issue of egos; a feeling that only Museveni can do it.
Key Highlights
September 14, 2016 – MP Sekitoleko denied leave to move motion for amendment of the constitution to extend retirement age of judges.
July 20 – Opposition Democratic Party launches the now Togikwatako campaign
July 24 – Key NRM loyalists meet to discuss campaign to counter the opposition campaign
August 07 – President Yoweri Museveni’s staff posted a photo on his Facebook page mentioning him and a date in 1947, opponents to lifting the age-limit sprung into Twitter frenzy
September 12 – NRM caucus meeting votes to support age limit amendment
September 21 – opposition MPs fail Raphael Magyezi from moving motion to seek leave to introduce the bill
September 25 – A group of NRM members opposing the bill draft three motions to fail age limit
September 27 – MPs engage in a scuffle in protest of Kadaga’s move to suspend chaotic MPs.
October 03 – Age limit bill read for the first time
October 05 – MPs sent on recess to consult their voters over age limit
October 23 – Parliament releases Shs29million for each MP to consult their voters
October 31 – Committee on legal and parliamentary affairs starts hearing on the age limit
November 28 – MPs return from Recess
December 05 – Members of legal committee consult Museveni on age limit after which they went to Serena Kigo to compile their report
December 18 – Minority and main report on the constitutional amendment presented in parliament
