The Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has cautioned religious leaders against politicking and taking sides in the ongoing presidential age limit debate.
His comments come at the backdrop of statements made by religious leaders in opposition to a proposal to scrap presidential age limits from the constitution.
Several bishops, among them, Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese and Reuben Kisembo Amooti of the Anglican diocese of Ruwenzori, have come out openly to oppose the amendment and consistently urged leaders to protect the Constitution which they swore to defend.
“The word of God must not be played with. The leaders of this country must not joke with the Bible. They held a bible in their right hand and swore to defend the constitution,” Bishop Muhiirwa said in his a recent sermon at Namugongo Marty’s Shrine.
Other priests, among them Bishop Dan Zoreka from Kinkizi Diocese and Rev Fr Gaetano Batanyenda, the parish priest of Kitanga Catholic Church in Kabale diocese have come out openly to oppose the constitutional amendment.
However, Dr Rugunda said that such statements not only divert people but also create confusion among believers.
Dr Rugunda is currently traversing Kigezi sub region to popularize the proposal to scrap presidential age limits from the Constitution.
During the meeting, area leaders accused the government of neglecting the key sectors in the region. They highlight the road network and health units which are all in a sad state.
Godfrey Karabenda, the Mayor for Kanungu Town Council expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to tarmac Hamurwa-Kanungu-Kihihi road one of the major roads which has become impassable.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, who is also the Kinkizi East County legislator acknowledged the shortfall and added that as leaders they are tired of empty promises.
