Tooro elders want age limit bill dropped

The elders in Tooro under their umbrella, Isaazi ly’Abaantu Bakuru Ba Tooro  have said the bill to amend Article 102 (b) of the Constitution should be dropped.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the elders noted that the bill is not a priority for Ugandans.

They also questioned the passion and urgency that has been directed towards the bill as other important issues have been sidelined.

“At this moment, removing the age limit is a luxurious issue that is not a priority for Ugandans. We therefore recommend that is immediately dropped,” read part of the statement.

This month, Raphael Magyezi, the Igara West MP tabled the constitution amendment bill that seeks to scrap the age limit of the president.

The bill has since been widely resisted by a large section of Ugandans.

The elders said that there are more important provisions of the constitution that should be amended instead of Article 102.

They cited the provision on election of political leaders under the affirmative action.

They added that cabinet and Members of Parliament should listen to the voices of the religious leaders, opinion leaders and other sections of the public who are against amending the constitution.

“We do note with concern that there are some provisions in the Constitution which were to be reviewed within a specified time but have been delayed. The voices of those against amendment should also be tolerated,” the elders noted.

The elders also urged elected leaders from Tooro to represent the views of the electorate by focusing on improving the health, education  services and to spearhead development by attracting investors.

In the statement, the elders also condemned the use of excessive force by the police on those who are against amending article on the age limit .

The elders join a section of leaders in the Tooro region, who are against amending article on the age limit.

Other leaders include Alex Ruhunda, the Member of Parliament Fort Portal Muncipality,  Slyvia Rwabwogo the Woman MP Kabarole,  Bishop Reuben Kisembo of Ruwenzori Diocese and Rev. Willy Kintu Muhanga, the mayor Fort Portal Municipality.

The Tooro Elders Forum consists of eminent opinion leaders in Tooro such as religious and political leaders.

Professor Edward Rugumayo, is the chairperson of the Forum.