Reinstatement of term limits a mockery- Opposition

Opposition legislators have described the move to reinstate the president term limits in the constitution as a mockery to Ugandans. Last night, parliament voted to scrap the presidential age limit and reinstate the presidential terms.

They also voted to extend their term from five to seven years. 315 legislators voted in favour of the amendment against 92 who opposed it.  Two legislators abstained from the vote.

Now, opposition legislators say what transpired in parliament on Wednesday night was a mockery to Ugandans and a loss that is irrevocable. Winfred Kiiza, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, says she led a strong team that put up a strong fight and will be judged by history.

According to Kiiza, many legislators will regret their decision in the future, adding that she regrets the fact that MPs have added themselves more years contrary to what the voters gave them. Kiiza also said there is no guarantee that president, Yoweri Museveni will not remove the reinstated term limits.

Cyrus Aogon, the Kumi County MP, said the return of the term limits will not in any way help Ugandans since their major fight was against president, Museveni's long stay in power. He says there might be chaos should Museveni fail to get results in the proposed referendum.

Anne Adeke, the National Youth MP says whatever happened in parliament is illegitimate and contrary to the constitution.

Francis Mwijukye, the Buhweju county MP, says MPs who supported the amendments have worked against the country. He argues that the approved amendments are not for peace, development and transformation of the country.

Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the Kyadondo East MP, says what transpired in parliament a sign of greed on the part of legislators.

Meanwhile, Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement party have expressed mixed reactions over the removal of the presidential age limits and reinstatement of term limits.

Some of the MPs argue that it is a win-win situation for both the opposition and the ruling party. They also say there is a final stop to what many call plans to entrench a life presidency through the term limits.

On Wednesday night, 315 legislators voted to remove presidential age limits while 62 voted against with two abstentions. Parliament also agreed to reinstate presidential term limits in the constitution, more than 12 years after they were removed in a previous constitutional amendment in September 2005. Legislators further agreed to extend their term of office from five to seven years.

Sam Kutesa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs says that there was a give-and-take of removing the age limits and reinstating term limits, calling it a win-win situation for all.

He says the seven-year term that MPs have awarded themselves is within their powers. Kutesa says the term limits provision is what many people really put a case for and they are happy that it is back.

Edward Makmot Otto, the Agago County MP says it is now definite that President Museveni cannot contest after the two terms. He says although the major problem has been people saying there will be no limit for the presidency, now the issue of life presidency does not arise.

He says Ugandans should be at least glad that there is a term limit, that is not discriminatory.

Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi, the initiator of the Constitution (Amendment) Bill (No 2) of 2017 commonly known as the age limit bill, says it has been a tough five months to push the bill. He says although he was not for the term limits, the opposition really put up a strong case on the reasons for returning the term limits. He, however, says putting back term limits contravenes what they have just been fighting for.

Magyezi says it's now time for him to rest and work harder in the party.

Henry Okello Oryem, the Chua County MP and state minister for International Affairs, says term limits have been a topic for several years. He says their reinstatement cures the issue of life presidency.

He welcomed the terms of the MPs and says now they are heading to work.