The elders of Tooro under their umbrella, Isaazi Ly’abantu Bakuru ba Tooro, have vehemently condemned the bill meant to scrap presidential age limits. In an October 10 statement that was signed by the chairman of the forum Prof Edward B. Rugumayo, the elders argued that Uganda’s democracy is still fragile and removing this article would plunge the country into anarchy.
“At this moment, removing the age limit is luxurious issue that could be debated in future but is not a priority for Ugandans. Moreover, the sensitivity attached to it renders it untimely. We therefore recommend that it be immediately dropped,” partly read the statement.
The elders explained that they are conscious of Uganda’s history which is characterized by violence originating from constitution-related matters, and they are pondering the passion which has so far been invested in the bill at the cost of sidelining more important issues such as poverty, disease, famine, unemployment, illiteracy and many others
The controversial age limit bill, which a section of Ugandans think is meant to extend president Museveni’s rule after 2021, was tabled by the Igara West MP Rapheal Magyezi.
It seeks to remove the lower and upper age limits for presidential candidates which are 35 years and 75 years respectively, among other amendments.
One of the reasons put foward by Magyezi for this bill – amidst severe criticism from fellow MPs, from the ruling and opposition parties – is that if a person is allowed to vote while under 35 years of age and after 75 years of age, then that person should also be allowed to contest for presidency.
But in the statement, the elders argued that this particular bill is not as important for Ugandans at this particular time.
“We do note with concern that there are some provisions in the constitution which were to be reviewed with in a specified time, but have now been delayed. A case in point is the provision for election of political leaders, under affirmative action. Instead we have chosen to go for the most politically sensitive, seemingly controversial and to some people unpopular amendments before giving the constitution time to be tested and seasoned,” further read the three-page statement.
The elders conclude by asking the MPs of Tooro like Sylivia Rwabwogo and Alex Ruhunda, who have already opposed the bill, with other peace-loving Ugandans, to keep their stands and ensure this amendement is trashed.
The Isaazi Ly’abantu Bakuru ba Tooro, also known as Tooro Elders Forum (TEF) is composed of women and men of integrity, experience and knowledge of Uganda’s political history.