Kisoro elderly, youth disagree on age limit amendment

People vote in support of age limit amendment at Nyakinama sub-county hall

The first political view that springs to mind when one talks of Kisoro district is, most probably its overwhelming support for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). However, the trend is being tested as far as lifting of presidential age limit clause is concerned.

During different consultative meetings that have taken place in the district convened by area MPs, youth have been seen disagreeing with the elders over the amendment of the article 102(b) of the Constitution which has 75 years as the upper age limit and 35 as lower limit for one to contest for Presidency.

People from sub-counties of Nyakinama, Chahi (Bufumbira South), Central and Southern Division (Kisoro Municipality) have already been consulted over the issue.

The elderly have supported the move to amend the presidential age limit and have floored the youth since they (elderly and middle-aged) dominate the meetings. 

Bufumbira South MP Sam Bitangaro during the consultation at both Nyakinama and Chahi sub-county headquarters on Wednesday received overwhelming support from the elderly regarding the amendment, whereas a section of youth opposed the move.

At Nyakinana, out of about 110 people that attended the meeting, only seven opposed the move, whereas a few others never showed any side on whether to amend or not to amend the Constitution. 

Bitangaro explained that the amendment is aimed at stopping discrimination of presidential candidates using age. He said there are some old men who are more capable of doing some tasks than the young ones.

"Those who support the removal argue that since power belongs to people, they will always get their favourite candidate during the voting. Let it be open, if one has the capacity to lead and is above 75, vote that person," he stated.

Most of the elderly who supported the amendment pointed out at peace which they said was brought by President Yoweri Museveni.

Magret Zigira, 64, said it is only during NRM regime that women have been empowered to sit on different boards as well as having positions in the Parliament, whereas Christopher Rwahose, 75, a resident of Buhinga said the Constitution has been amended several times and there is need to amend even the presidential limit clause.

Youth disagree

However, Simon Hagumina, a youth chairperson in Rwaramba, Nyakinama sub-county says the Presidential age limit should not be amended so that the country gets rid of corruption which has marred different government projects.

"There is corruption in projects such as the Youth Livelihood Scheme and other projects and this must stop," he stated.

Edson Niyonzima, 32, from Chahi also said the age limit should not be removed since there were reasons why it was put there.

 Flavia Mahoro said if the age limit is amended there is a possibility that Uganda will have a dictator whose exit will not be guaranteed by the Constitution.

"Those who put the limit there had reasons. What if we get a leader who is like Amin, what shall we do to get rid of him," she wondered.