NRM flags off team to demystify Constitutional Amendment

Regional (NRM) mobilizers posing for a picture after being flagged off at the national chairman party office at Edinburgh Avenue in Kyambogo on September 27, 2017.Photos by Ramadhan Abbey

CONSTITUTION| AGE LIMIT

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has flagged off youth mobilisers from across the country to expound to the people the good intention of the proposed amendment of the 1995 Constitution.

Over 100 youth were flagged off on Wednesday by senior presidential Advisor Milly Babalanda Babirye at the national chairman party office at Edinburgh Avenue in Kyambogo.

"The current Article 102(b) of the Constitution is not only discriminatory but also denies Ugandans good leadership of young people below 35 years and senior citizens above 75-years," Babirye said.

According to Babirye who is also the personal assistant to President Yoweri Museveni, there is a great need to make every Ugandan look at the good intentions of the proposed Constitutional amendment without being derailed by the current confusion being spread by the self-seeking politicians.

Babirye further implored the youth to debunk the lies being propagated by the self-seeking politicians that the amendment of Article 102(b) is intended to benefit president Museveni.

Senior presidential advisor on media, Joseph Tamale Mirundi addressing National Resistance Movement (NRM) regional mobilizers

 
"Any amendment of the Constitution benefits everybody. President Museveni is not below 35 years, so it would be wrong for someone to claim that it will only benefit president Museveni," she said.

Senior presidential advisor on Media, Joseph Tamale Mirundi said amendment of the constitution is a normal procedure which reflects the thinking of a given time.

"The Constitution is a working document which means that it is amendable. Let nobody deceive any Ugandan that it is an abomination to amend it," Mirundi said.

Mirundi also implored the mobilisers to work extra hard, saying that their efforts are very much needed to supplement the work of the NRM MPs in parliament.

Milton Odongo, the campaign coordinator in Lango region said there is urgent need to amend the Constitution especially Article 102(b) of the Constitution, saying it is discriminatory since it deters some groups of eligible voters from contesting for presidency.

"It is unfair to think that the young people below 35 years or the elderly above 75 years do not have wisdom to lead the country," Odongo said.

Robert Tukamuhebwa, the Kigezi region coordinator said the amendment of the constitution is timely because the youth with good ideas have been locked behind for so long.

"I implore the youth across the country not to allow be misguided by self-seeking politician and support the Constitutional amendment because it will remove blockade for youth below 35 years to stand for presidency," Tukamuhebwa said.

Patience Namboozo from Bulambuli said the Constitutional amendment is not an innovation and it should not be fought.

 "As a student of law, I know the Constitutional is amendable provided there is a national requirement," she said.