Parliament concludes constitution amending
Aug 19, 2005
PARLIAMENT yesterday concluded the constitutional amendment process with the passing of two Bills, ending the month-long debate. Next in the business of Parliament is passing of this financial year’s budget.
By Joyce Namutebi
and Cyprian Musoke
PARLIAMENT yesterday concluded the constitutional amendment process with the passing of two Bills, ending the month-long debate. Next in the business of Parliament is passing of this financial year’s budget.
A total of 222 MPs voted in support at the third reading of the Constitution (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2005, which seeks to remove presidential term limits, among others. The number exceeded the required two-thirds by 26 votes.
Thirty-seven MPs voted against, while two abstained, according to the Speaker. Those who abstained were chairman of the committee on legal and parliamentary affairs that examined the Bills, Jacob Oulanyah and Joseph Balikuddembe (Busiro South). Col. Fred Bogere (army) stayed away.
New Vision, however, counted 38 MPs who opposed the Bill, which awaits the President’s assent.
A total of 249 MPs voted for the Bill at its third reading, six opposed with no abstention. The Bill awaits ratification by two-thirds of the district councils.
The Bill provides for Kampala as Uganda’s capital city, the creation of regional governments and their functions.
Prior to passing of the ‘third term Bill’, Parliament rejected a motion by Sarah Namusoke Kiyingi to recommit the Bill and allow her move an amendment on Article 29 regarding pornography.
“I have studied the amendment. I’m satisfied that it is not a constitutional issue. Pornography, like obscenity, can be accommodated in the penal law,†state minister for justice and constitutional affairs Adolf Mwesige said. He advised Kiyingi to instead move a Bill for an act of Parliament.
Submissions by Miria Matembe and Cecilia Ogwal in support of Kiyingi’s motion fell on deaf ears. “This is the time when we have an opportunity to give a constitutional provision to give a backing to laws that will protect us against pornography,†Matembe said amid protests from MPs.
The MPs who voted against the ‘third term Bill’ included Alex Onzima, Patrick Amuriat, Anang-Odur, Charles Angiro, John Arumadri, Cecilia Ogwal, Aggrey Awori, Ben Wacha, John Kazoora, Charles Byaruhanga, Francis Epetait, Wilfred Kajeke, John Kawanga, Issa Kikungwe, Ken Lukyamuzi, Miria Matembe, James Mwandha, Patrick Mwondha, Frank Nabwiso, Nandala Mafabi, Johnson Nkuuhe, John Odit and Ogenga Latigo.
Lukyamuzi walked out after voting. Ogwal said, “I walked out in CA. I’m voting ‘no’ in pursuit of that until we remove the kisanja provision. Speaker Edward Ssekandi commended the MPs, saying Parliament had restored some of the things in the abrogated constitution of 1969.
Ends
and Cyprian Musoke
PARLIAMENT yesterday concluded the constitutional amendment process with the passing of two Bills, ending the month-long debate. Next in the business of Parliament is passing of this financial year’s budget.
A total of 222 MPs voted in support at the third reading of the Constitution (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2005, which seeks to remove presidential term limits, among others. The number exceeded the required two-thirds by 26 votes.
Thirty-seven MPs voted against, while two abstained, according to the Speaker. Those who abstained were chairman of the committee on legal and parliamentary affairs that examined the Bills, Jacob Oulanyah and Joseph Balikuddembe (Busiro South). Col. Fred Bogere (army) stayed away.
New Vision, however, counted 38 MPs who opposed the Bill, which awaits the President’s assent.
A total of 249 MPs voted for the Bill at its third reading, six opposed with no abstention. The Bill awaits ratification by two-thirds of the district councils.
The Bill provides for Kampala as Uganda’s capital city, the creation of regional governments and their functions.
Prior to passing of the ‘third term Bill’, Parliament rejected a motion by Sarah Namusoke Kiyingi to recommit the Bill and allow her move an amendment on Article 29 regarding pornography.
“I have studied the amendment. I’m satisfied that it is not a constitutional issue. Pornography, like obscenity, can be accommodated in the penal law,†state minister for justice and constitutional affairs Adolf Mwesige said. He advised Kiyingi to instead move a Bill for an act of Parliament.
Submissions by Miria Matembe and Cecilia Ogwal in support of Kiyingi’s motion fell on deaf ears. “This is the time when we have an opportunity to give a constitutional provision to give a backing to laws that will protect us against pornography,†Matembe said amid protests from MPs.
The MPs who voted against the ‘third term Bill’ included Alex Onzima, Patrick Amuriat, Anang-Odur, Charles Angiro, John Arumadri, Cecilia Ogwal, Aggrey Awori, Ben Wacha, John Kazoora, Charles Byaruhanga, Francis Epetait, Wilfred Kajeke, John Kawanga, Issa Kikungwe, Ken Lukyamuzi, Miria Matembe, James Mwandha, Patrick Mwondha, Frank Nabwiso, Nandala Mafabi, Johnson Nkuuhe, John Odit and Ogenga Latigo.
Lukyamuzi walked out after voting. Ogwal said, “I walked out in CA. I’m voting ‘no’ in pursuit of that until we remove the kisanja provision. Speaker Edward Ssekandi commended the MPs, saying Parliament had restored some of the things in the abrogated constitution of 1969.
Ends