The Uganda Women Network (UWONET) has appreciated the decision by Kumi Woman MP, Monica Amoding to disassociate herself from the proposed amendment of Article 102 (b) to remove age limit from the constitution.
Amonding looked into the faces of the angry NRM legislators and assured them that she was against their decision.
Out of 246 NRM members who attended the consultative meeting, it was Amoding that came out in the open and resisted the move by members which she said was done in bad faith.
In a statement issued by UWONET, the women have expressed solidarity with Amoding and applauded her for taking a firm stand as a leader and rejected the ploy by some NRM members to amend the constitution.
“At a time when our MPs’ intentions and motives and commitment to serving the actual needs of the people they represent are under question, the actio by Monica Amoding sends out a strong message to Ugandans and leaders at all levels that they can still serve the interest of the ordinary Ugandan with integrity,” noted UWONET Executive Director, Rita Aciro.
Aciro said that while it is fair to listen to the arguments of those in favour of lifting the age limit and those against it, it is necessary to understand that the framers of the 1995 constitution had sound reason for setting the presidential age limit at 75.
Aciro added that, “With several bills in Parliament such as the proposed land amendment of Article 26, Marriage Bill 2017, sexual offences bill among others, the voice of the bold, independent and people centred leaders is most critical.”