The legal and parliamentary affairs committee of parliament has endorsed the amendment of article 102B of the 1995 constitution, to remove the 75 year age-limit for aspirants for the office of the president.
18 members supported the amendment while three opposed. Most of those opposed to the amendment were not in the committee when the final vote was passed. The chairperson of the committee Jacob Oboth Oboth (West Budama South Independent) abstained from voting.
“We have completed our work and will finalize our reports then send it to the speaker,” Oboth told this newspaper.
He added that because of the contentious nature of the matter, two reports were being prepared. A restoration of term limits was included as one of the suggestions for constitutional amendment.
Those who supported are; Agaba Abbas Mugisha (Kitagwenda,NRM), Obua Denis Hamson (Ajuri, NRM), Veronica E.Bichetero (Kaberamaido, NRM), Paul Akamba (Busiki, Independent), Kyawa M Gaster (Bukooli North, NRM), Achia Remigio (Pian, NRM), Jackson K Karugaba (Kyaka South, NRM), Idi Amin Taban (Kibanda North, NRM), Rose Akello Lilly (Kaabong, NRM), Robinah Rwakoojo (Gomba West, NRM), Gaffa Mbwatekamwa (Kasambya, NRM), Brenda Asinde Suubi (Iganga, NRM), Caroline K Muhwezi (Rukiga, NRM), Sam B Kwizera (Bufumbira South, NRM), Kenneth Ongalo-Obote (Kalaki, NRM), Robert Sebunya (Nansana Municipality, NRM), Edward Otto Makmot (Agago, Independent).
Those who did not support the amendment are; Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri, FDC), Medard Lubega Ssegona (Busiro East, DP) and Monicah Amoding (Kumi, NRM).
Those who missed the voting are; General Elly Tumwiine (UPDF representative), Ibrahim Semujju Nganda (Kiira Municipality, FDC), Muhammad Nsereko (Kampala Central, Independent), Adeke Anna Ebaju (Youth, female Independent), Doroth N Azairwa (Kamwenge, NRM), Wilfred Niwagaba (Ndorwa East, Independent) and Mathias Mpuuga (Masaka Municipality, DP).
Hon.Oboth said that his team were preparing two reports related to the amendment. One would be a majority report in support of the amendment and the other would be a minority report opposed to the amendment. Both reports would be sent to parliament to deliberate on the matter.
