There are only two terms for one person
Mar 28, 2003
SIR — In an article entitled “Is the Movement ripe for change†published on February 26, Joshua Kato wrote that “if the movement changes into a party, President Museveni, as chairman of the party, will not be barred from standing again.
SIR — In an article entitled “Is the Movement ripe for change†published on February 26, Joshua Kato wrote that “if the movement changes into a party, President Museveni, as chairman of the party, will not be barred from standing again. This is because the clause in the constitution gives him two terms does not bar him from standing again if the system is changedâ€.
Again the New Vision on March 19 reported that at a meeting of the Kalangala Action Plan held recently in Luwero recommended that if a referendum decides in favour of political parties, the Movement should turn into a political party and President Museveni as its chairman should stand for another term of office.
Your readers may wish to be informed that the term of office of a President does not depend on the political system in operation and that there is no way President Museveni can stand for another term after 2006 without first amending Article 105 of the Constitution which provides as follows:
A person elected President under this constitution shall ... hold office for a term of five years.
A person shall not be elected under this constitution for more than two terms as prescribed by this article. This article could not be simpler or clearer. It prohibits one person from being elected President for more than two terms. It makes no reference to political systems or leaders of Movement or political parties.
Accordingly, since President Museveni is “a personâ€, it follows that he cannot be elected President for a third term whilst article 105(2) remains unchanged. Therefore, those who are canvassing for a third term for President Museveni, must first get article 105(2) amended either by deleting it or by saying it does not apply to President Museveni or by providing for a tenure of office for president longer than two terms.
Abubaker K. Mayanja
Kampala
SIR — Ugandans should not toy with the idea of pushing for a third term of office for President Museveni. Museveni has been an exemplary leader but even the best dancer finally leaves the stage. The matter should not even be subjected to a referendum because the constitution does not provide for it. Let us get used to respecting constitutional law. The constitution is not an ad hoc document meant to accommodate the selfish interests of whichever regime is in power. We should allow our constitution to mature and serve all Ugandans impartially.
Sgt (Rtd) George Segene
Kampala
Again the New Vision on March 19 reported that at a meeting of the Kalangala Action Plan held recently in Luwero recommended that if a referendum decides in favour of political parties, the Movement should turn into a political party and President Museveni as its chairman should stand for another term of office.
Your readers may wish to be informed that the term of office of a President does not depend on the political system in operation and that there is no way President Museveni can stand for another term after 2006 without first amending Article 105 of the Constitution which provides as follows:
A person elected President under this constitution shall ... hold office for a term of five years.
A person shall not be elected under this constitution for more than two terms as prescribed by this article. This article could not be simpler or clearer. It prohibits one person from being elected President for more than two terms. It makes no reference to political systems or leaders of Movement or political parties.
Accordingly, since President Museveni is “a personâ€, it follows that he cannot be elected President for a third term whilst article 105(2) remains unchanged. Therefore, those who are canvassing for a third term for President Museveni, must first get article 105(2) amended either by deleting it or by saying it does not apply to President Museveni or by providing for a tenure of office for president longer than two terms.
Abubaker K. Mayanja
Kampala
SIR — Ugandans should not toy with the idea of pushing for a third term of office for President Museveni. Museveni has been an exemplary leader but even the best dancer finally leaves the stage. The matter should not even be subjected to a referendum because the constitution does not provide for it. Let us get used to respecting constitutional law. The constitution is not an ad hoc document meant to accommodate the selfish interests of whichever regime is in power. We should allow our constitution to mature and serve all Ugandans impartially.
Sgt (Rtd) George Segene
Kampala