Makerere University’s School of Law under its umbrella organisation Public Interest Law Clinic (PILAC) and the Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL) organised a public dialogue under the theme “The proposed ammendment of Art. 102 (b) – Implications on Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Uganda” to discuss the contentious age limit debate going on in the country.
The dialogue attracted panelists that were both pro and anti ammendment of the constitution. They included Prof. Jean Barya of MAK School of Law, Jackson Kafuzi MP, Muhammed Muwanga Kivumbi MP, Sylvia Namubiru Mukasa, Chapter Four’s Andrew Karamagi and President Museveni’s principal private secretary on political matters David Mafabi.
Academicians, students and many political analysts booed and jeered Members of Parliament and other NRM cadres in support of lifting of presidential age limit during the dialogue.
Mr. Mafabi who was straightforward with his audience and told them that the bill was to directly favour M7 and enable him to contest in 2021, received jeers and boos from the largely anti-ammendment community of Makerere. The students, some of whom were clad in red ties with red ribbons tied around their foreheads, often times interrupted his speech to shout responses and cheered all responses/verbal attacks on him from the other panelists.
“The position of Makerere as regards the age limit is very clear – we dont want the constitution ammended and we are willing to do whatever it takes”, Uganda Young Democrats’ (UYD) activist Roy Rugumayo told Campus Bee.
Rugumayo said that comparisons as to the abilities of the queen of England and Pope Francis in regards to President Museveni’s “overstay” in power dont make logical sense and that even if they sugarcoat it in whatever way, they (youths) shall not be swayed.
Another highlight of the day was when youthful activist and lawyer Andrew Karamagi took to the podium and asked the NRM to stop using youths in justification of their absurdities.
“I am 29, and I dont think I can make a good president of Uganda”, he said.
He further emphasized that the idea that the amendment is to favour youths was just sugarcoating bitter medicine.
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