Anti-age limit NRM MPs: We don't fear consequences

Workers MPs Sam Lyomoki. Photo/File

AGE LIMIT

The anti-presidential age limit removal group from the ruling party has said it does not fear the consequences of opposing a decision by the party caucus to back a Bill to amend the Constitution.

Last Tuesday, Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi tabled the Constitutional Amendment Bill, which was sent to the parliamentary committee on legal affairs to scrutinize within 45 days.

The committee is expected to gather views from the public, before submitting its report to the House.

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) caucus and later the Cabinet endorsed Magyezi's Bill that seeks to, among other things, amend Article 102(b) of the Constitution.

The provision caps the upper age for a prospective President at 75 years.

MPs Sam Lyomoki (Workers), Patrick Nsamba (Kasanda North), Monicah Amoding (Kumi Woman) and Felix Okot Ogong (Dokolo South) told New Vision in separate interviews that they would not back down.

"We have God on our side because even the religious leaders are sharing our view. We are committed to go the whole way and nothing will bar us from achieving what is in the best interest of the country. We are on this by conviction and our motive is really to make sure that our country is saved and it can continue on the path of stability and peace," Lyomoki said.

Amoding asked rhetorically, "What consequences now?"

"When I am in my constituency it is me building the party; is that (lifting age limit) really a party position? Which party structures were consulted on that matter? I don't believe there were party structures which were consulted on that matter," she said.

Amoding argued that there are several other structures which constitute the NRM party.

"I don't believe such a decision has ever been put before the central executive committee for it to be taken as a party position in Parliament. So I think I am still entitled to my views. At this point we are still having individual views and no party position on this matter," she added. 

Okot Ogong asked why should he fear anybody if he is doing the right thing.

"This is a private member's Bill and nobody should carry it as a party matter. The secretary general, the leadership, the central executive committee and the national executive committee members are not aware about this thing of lifting age limit," he said.

Okot added: "But why should it be a private member's Bill when even the minister of constitutional affairs is behind? Why is the Executive fearing to present the Bill? If they are fearing, it means they are doing the wrong thing."

The NRM caucus is scheduled to meet on Friday over the matter.