DP youth wing to rally against age limit removal

UYD|PRESIDENTIAL AGE LIMIT

Wasswa (centre) consults Labson Kijjambo, the UYD chairperson for Kampala as Moses Birigwa looks on. Photo by Wilson Manishimwe

Members of the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD), the youth wing of the of Democratic Party has opposed the recent decision by Members of Parliament belonging to National Resistance Movement (NRM) to remove the presidential age limit clause from the Constitution. 

Addressing the media in Kampala on Thursday, the youth vowed to mobilise citizens to block the Bill from being passed by Parliament.

They pointed out issues of wide spread unemployment, poverty and overstaying in power as the reasons why there is need for change in the leadership.

In a meeting that took place at Parliament on Tuesday, over 200 NRM MPs decided to amend Article 102 (b), which provides that for a person vying for the seat of president, they ought to be between 35 and 75 years. 

Charles Wasswa, the UYD secretary general said there is need for MPs not to look at their selfish interests, but rather focus on the issues of national importance. He said they will consult stakeholders and MPs about the issue of upholding the country's Constitution.

"NRM MPs should know that this country is bigger than individuals and our dream is to create a country free from personal dominance," he stated.

Moses Birigwa, the UYD vice-chairperson for eastern Uganda told journalists that he will engage the MPs in support of the move so that they withdraw their intention. He asked the public to also ask their legislators to shun the amendment.

"I will start with Busoga sub-region and ensure that everyone is against the move by MPs," he said.