How MPs choices are shaping our past, present and future

OPINION | PARLIAMENT

By George Ntambaazi

One of the distinctive features of Uganda's 1995 Constitution is its elaborate enunciation of the principles of unity, peace, equality, democracy, freedom, social justice and progress.

It also embraces diversity and promotes active seeking of understanding of peoples along lines of differences. Under Article 259 (Amendment of the constitution, 260 (Amendment requiring referendum), and 261(amendments requiring approval by district councils), the Constitution provides for a procedure for its amendment. However, many political actors have developed a somewhat varied interpretation in order to popularise their view points.

In most progressive societies, the rules that govern the relations between the people and how they are to be governed are always established in the Constitutions. However, even though these rules are written down, they are always subject to debate and varying interpretations.

On Tuesday, September 12, a section of NRM MPs agreed to amend Article 102 (b) and remove the 75-year presidential age limit. Now a private members Bill was tabled to amend it.

In the past 22 years since the promulgation of the Constitution, there has been limited support to amend Article 102 (b). However, with the current pro and contra forces going head-on, the viewpoints of Ugandans are changing and now there appears to be a realistic opportunity to amend it. 

It is not yet clear to most Ugandans whether this amendment is the most pressing Ugandan issue now. It is also doubtful whether MPs are sincere and honest with their words and deeds.

Uganda is a very young nation but always scared of starting a constitutional new life whenever it finds itself at cross-roads in light of the safeguards in the Constitution. In 2005, I was a stranger in Parliament gallery during the amendment of Article 105 (2) and I saw how timid we are and how politicians can speak in tongues.

I would like to refer our readers to the preamble of our Constitution, which proclaims

We the people of Uganda,

Recalling our history which has been characterized by political and constitutional instability…..

Recognising our struggles…

Committed to building a better future…

In legal terms, it is understood that the preamble of any Constitution does not have any legally binding effect because it is very abstract, but courts have held in a number of cases that it's a guidance for interpretation of all articles in the Constitution.

Therefore, with our troubled history, the present and posterity, the current crop of leaders in Parliament must be honest in their words and deeds. I call upon them to talk to each other. Ignorance of one another's intention will be very costly to the nation.

Uganda is yearning for the kind of leadership that puts serious commitment to constitutional principles, and that is courageous enough and willing to put devotion to the national interest above self-interest and party loyalty.

Uganda is also looking for leaders who can champion a firm culture dedicated to Uganda best interests

Self-interest inspired actions with short term pay-offs cannot improve the political viability of our country. In times and moments like now, thoughtful sobriety is important. In absence of honest and sincere leadership, the progress we have made as a country will all dissipate.

I argue MPs to pull together to think about Uganda first by appealing to their conscience on the forces that divide us.

The truth is always out there, waiting for you to discover it.

The writer is a political analyst and a lawyer