A security report compiled by the intelligence services has shown that NRM MPs are still unpredictable on the age-limit amendment.
The report shows that 22 MPs in Buganda might withdraw their support for the bill because of the pressure from their constituents. Some of those who might bow out are Jennifer Nantume Egunyu (Buvuma Woman), Sarah Nakawunde Temulanda (Mpigi Woman), Caroline Birungi Nanyondo (Kyamuswa), Idah Nabayiga (Kalangala Woman) and Julius Mukasa Opondo (Bujumba).
Most of the undecided MPs say they have seen unprecedented opposition to their proposal to amend the constitution.
“People are attacking us in the villages. How will we go about these things when they know that we supported the amendment? And I know that it will not be a secret ballot, so everyone will know how we voted,” one MP who spoke to us on condition of anonymity said.
After consultations with their constituents, it became even difficult for many to speak with certainty about the amendment.
Earlier on, the mover of the amendment Raphael Magyezi had said that he was receiving death threats by SMS. He received over ten messages threatening to kill him.
An official of the NRM secretariat however differed and said the issue is on money.
“MPs cannot fail to vote for what they want. But I think they are calculating how this can be used to make a fortune. They want big money. Some of them have debts to clear and so on,” the official also speaking on condition of anonymity said.
