Age limit motion: No winner, no loser

Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah

He stared at the MPs for about a minute. He looked at both sides and said: "I welcome you all to this sitting. I should hire the services of the person who mobilised all of you," the Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanyah told the House.

"What we have today is exceptional. I my opinion it has gone beyond what it should have been. Like I told on Tuesday, I received notices of motion on age limit and I told you that there was no motion yet. As I speak now, there is one motion. At an appropriate time, communication will come on whether either motions or one will be considered," Oulanyah said.

The leader of Opposition in Parliament, Winfred Kiiza condemned the heavy deployment of security personnel at Parliament and in city. She tasked the Government to explain why Parliament was under siege.

"I request Honourable Speaker, that you find it within your powers to adjourn this House. We are here, but our minds are not here. MPs cannot sit here comfortably, when they are not sure whether their families are secure," she said.

In response, the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda said: "There has been some degree of tension and excitement in the country because of the political exchanges taking place."

National Resistance Movement Members of Parliament who are pushing for the removal of the presidential age limit on Tuesday said they had finalised the plan to table the motion for a private member' Bill.

The MPs with state minister for investment, Evelyn Anite, said they were set present the Bill on Thursday.

Igara West MP, Raphael Magyezi, said after they have presented the Bill, they will reach out to their electorate for consultation.

 He reiterated the argument that in expediting the Bill, they are complying with the Supreme Court ruling which directed the Government to enact constitutional and electoral reforms within two years.
 
Evelyn Anite said nothing would stop them because they have the necessary number of the legislators for the Bill to successfully sail through.