Kyadondo East Member of Parliament, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine has predicted that nasty events could befall Uganda again should the constitution be amended to repeal Presidential age caps.
Kyagulanyi who was giving his submissions on the age limit debate in Parliament on Tuesday said that removing the Presidential age limits would resurrect the dark times of former President Idi Amin when he abrogated the constitution and Ugandans failed to rise up.
“When President Idi Amin overthrew Parliament, no single Ugandan rose up to defend it because MPs had become a club of elites,” said MP Kyagulanyi.
“I have had the opportunity to traverse the country and the people have said do not touch it. Young people are watching what comes out of this Parliament. If we do not learn from the mistakes of the past, we are bound to repeat it,” he added.
Parliament is debating the age limit Bill after being presented for the second reading by Parliament’s Legal Committee Chairperson Jacob Oboth Oboth amid heckling from members of the opposition.
There has been differing opinions raised on the floor of Parliament as legislators reported their electorates’ views on the proposed amendment.
Kinkizi East MP, Chris Baryomunsi said that his constituents asked him to lift the Presidential age limits as long as government continues delivering services.
Fortportal legislator, Ruhunda highlighted that inspite of his love for President Museveni, opinion leaders in his area warned him not to tamper with the constitution.
“What we are dealing with is not a small matter, but very fundamental for the good of this country. I have read both reports. I wanted to ensure that the people of Fort Portal who elected me give me their voice. They asked me not to touch Article 102b,” said Ruhunda.
The Minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija downplayed claims that the Bill is meant to benefit President Museveni saying that there are many old Ugandans above 75 years who would like to stand for Presidency.
Earlier, the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga prematurely suspended the house to 2pm for the afternoon session after an MP alleged that soldiers had invaded the chapel of Parliament.