MPs ‘Not Plotting’ Extension
Jul 17, 2003
SPEAKER of Parliament Edward Ssekandi yesterday took exception to press reports that some MPs were plotting to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s term for three years.
By Vision Reporters
SPEAKER of Parliament Edward Ssekandi yesterday took exception to press reports that some MPs were plotting to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s term for three years.
Although the Speaker did not agree with the press, some MPs demanded that Museveni should come out and state clearly whether he is interested in staying in office beyond 2006.
In a communication from the Chair, Ssekandi said the article in The Sunday Monitor, entitled, “MPs plot to give Museveni three more yearsâ€, gave “an impression that Parliament was about to use its privileged position to amend some provisions of the Constitution to suit individual interests of you Honourable Members.â€
Ssekandi said he was not aware of such a plot and that “Parliament does not plot but can only exercise its powers transparently and in good faith.â€
He made no reference to MP James Kakooza (Kabula) who was quoted as one of the MPs plotting to give Museveni three more years. But he said MPs should not present their personal views as being the position of Parliament.
Kakooza also made no comment. “An amendment to the Constitution should only be in principle. You should not waver from principle simply because you feel threatened,†the Speaker said. Ssekandi said Parliament “will only, in good faith, amend the Constitution without ulterior motives but only for the enhancement of good governance and the protection of human rights.â€
He said the rules for changing the Constitution are known and shall not change when time comes for Parliament to consider the constitutional amendments. “Even if some MPs were plotting, which, to my knowledge is not true, the plot will have to be transparent without a minus or addition to Chapter 18 of the Constitution,†he said.
The Minister for Constitutional Affairs, Janat Mukwaya, said she had not heard of or discussed plans to extend the President’s term. She said it was not easy to do so because it would require a referendum.
Mukwaya said the report of the Constitutional Review Commission would be ready by August 31 when the Government would draw up a Constitutional amendment Bill to be presented to Parliament.
Winnie Byanyima (Mbarara Municipality) said Museveni was causing uncertainty, which was threatening investors and frustrating development partners. She asked the Government to explain whether the report of the Constitutional Review Commission would be made public and also called for dialogue between the Movement and the Opposition on the way forward. She reminded MPs how Parliament in 1966 extended its term and that of the Prime Minister, which caused political upheaval. She said she was treating the plot rumour seriously.
Dr Crispus Kiyonga, the National Political Commissar, said quiet consultations were going on regarding holding dialogue with the Opposition. “The Executive has decided that we should engage in dialogue with people in the Opposition,†Kiyonga said.
He opposed calls for Museveni to state whether he wanted a third term since the issue was a “matter of law†and should be handled accordingly. He urged MPs to ensure that their conduct and statements did not undermine the integrity of Parliament.
Ben Wacha (Oyam North) said it was important that the President came out and said whether he was interested in the “third or fifth term.â€
“The President cannot keep the country guessing. We should know and we should demand to know,†said MP Wacha added.
Ends
SPEAKER of Parliament Edward Ssekandi yesterday took exception to press reports that some MPs were plotting to extend President Yoweri Museveni’s term for three years.
Although the Speaker did not agree with the press, some MPs demanded that Museveni should come out and state clearly whether he is interested in staying in office beyond 2006.
In a communication from the Chair, Ssekandi said the article in The Sunday Monitor, entitled, “MPs plot to give Museveni three more yearsâ€, gave “an impression that Parliament was about to use its privileged position to amend some provisions of the Constitution to suit individual interests of you Honourable Members.â€
Ssekandi said he was not aware of such a plot and that “Parliament does not plot but can only exercise its powers transparently and in good faith.â€
He made no reference to MP James Kakooza (Kabula) who was quoted as one of the MPs plotting to give Museveni three more years. But he said MPs should not present their personal views as being the position of Parliament.
Kakooza also made no comment. “An amendment to the Constitution should only be in principle. You should not waver from principle simply because you feel threatened,†the Speaker said. Ssekandi said Parliament “will only, in good faith, amend the Constitution without ulterior motives but only for the enhancement of good governance and the protection of human rights.â€
He said the rules for changing the Constitution are known and shall not change when time comes for Parliament to consider the constitutional amendments. “Even if some MPs were plotting, which, to my knowledge is not true, the plot will have to be transparent without a minus or addition to Chapter 18 of the Constitution,†he said.
The Minister for Constitutional Affairs, Janat Mukwaya, said she had not heard of or discussed plans to extend the President’s term. She said it was not easy to do so because it would require a referendum.
Mukwaya said the report of the Constitutional Review Commission would be ready by August 31 when the Government would draw up a Constitutional amendment Bill to be presented to Parliament.
Winnie Byanyima (Mbarara Municipality) said Museveni was causing uncertainty, which was threatening investors and frustrating development partners. She asked the Government to explain whether the report of the Constitutional Review Commission would be made public and also called for dialogue between the Movement and the Opposition on the way forward. She reminded MPs how Parliament in 1966 extended its term and that of the Prime Minister, which caused political upheaval. She said she was treating the plot rumour seriously.
Dr Crispus Kiyonga, the National Political Commissar, said quiet consultations were going on regarding holding dialogue with the Opposition. “The Executive has decided that we should engage in dialogue with people in the Opposition,†Kiyonga said.
He opposed calls for Museveni to state whether he wanted a third term since the issue was a “matter of law†and should be handled accordingly. He urged MPs to ensure that their conduct and statements did not undermine the integrity of Parliament.
Ben Wacha (Oyam North) said it was important that the President came out and said whether he was interested in the “third or fifth term.â€
“The President cannot keep the country guessing. We should know and we should demand to know,†said MP Wacha added.
Ends