Leaders in Bulambuli endorse Constitutional amendment

The National Resistance Movement leadership in Bulambuli district (NRM) on Friday endorsed the removal of the presidential age limit.

This was during the NRM district consultative meeting held at the Bulambuli African Village Resource Centre that was organized by Minister for Energy Irene Muloni and the area Member of Parliament, Alex Burundu.

Over 300 NRM leaders from the 19 sub-counties in Bulambuli said Article 102(b) of the Constitution that bars any one above the age of 75 from contesting for president, be removed, during the consultative meeting.

The members also agreed that the age of those intending to stand for presidency is lowered from 35years to 18years, adding that this would also give chance to young blood to contest for leadership.

Before the meeting started, a group of youth donning red ribbons, which have become synonymous with those against lifting the age limit, attempted to enter the hall, but were blocked by the Police, led by the Bulambuli, DPC Alfonse Musoni. 

Lemech Walimbwa, 65, a resident of Bulambuli town council, moved the motion, which was seconded by Steven Magona a resident of Namisuni sub-county and Bulambuli youth leader Kenneth Wocha.

They all cited out that country is enjoying peace and stability that the NRM government fought for, adding that the law was also discriminating and so it does not give the youth an opportunity to lead the country.

"We cannot afford to lose the peace and security brought by NRM government. In the past, all families had fled Bulambuli district because of the Karimojong cattle rustlers who used to raid our areas and since the NRM took power, we are happily living with them," Wocha said.

Grace Masawi, said their Members of Parliament should not fear, but go ahead and second the Constitutional amendment.

Minister for Energy Iren Muloni thanked the people of Bulambuli for being exemplary by showing the nation that they play mature politics, adding that fighting each other is not the solution.

"Let us use our brains and debate on the matter because it's serious matter and stop fighting. The amendment of the article may not only favor President Museveni, but others could be beneficiaries," Muloni said.

"I am grateful that NRM leadership in Bulambuli have seen the light and understood where they came from and where they are heading. Bulambuli is a young district, but they have been able to benefit more than older districts and this is why there was no resistance," Muloni added.

She appealed to Bulambuli people to shun Members of Parliament who are spreading the gospel against amendment of Article 102b, adding that some of them are spreading harmful propaganda aimed at creating hatred.

"Opposition is looking for the ways of grabbing power from ruling party by using all means, but NRM is also determined to use all ways to see that power is retained at any cost," she added.

She noted that government is determined to send development programmes in Bulambuli, adding that the process of tarmacking the road from Buyaga to Buginyanya is underway.