Parliament is in session for Day two debate on the bill removing presidential age limit after the report was tabled on Monday.
Presiding is Speaker Rebbeca Kadaga who walked into the chambers just after 11:00am EAT – to essentially clear the way for current President Yoweri Museveni to stand for a sixth time as put by the opposition – it is now underway.
Kadaga immediately asked the Chair of Legal Committee, Jacob Oboth to explain how Committee recommended on return of term limits, tenure of President and Parliament that were not part of the age limit bill.
“These were part of views received during public hearings; they are general recommendations meant to enrich debate on the bill which is about electoral procedures,” Hon. Oboth replied.
The ruling party has said it wants the legislation passed before Christmas.
It has been a highly charged debate – ending on at least one occasion with MPs trading blows.
The current age limit is 75 and its scrapping is seen as a plot to remove constitutional obstacles that would prevent Mr Museveni, 73, in standing in the 2021 elections.
MPs shouted down speakers and raised several points of procedure. Five MPs have been suspended for disrupting the house.
Yesterday’s session was temporarily halted after doubts were raised over the validity of a committee report which is the basis of the debate.
