Museveni signs into law sticky age-limit bill

Defiant? President Museveni has signed the law, disregarding the views of majority Ugandans

The Controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 2 of 2017 has now become law after President Yoweri Museveni signed endorsed the measure with signature of assent on December 27, 2017.

Different government sources have confirmed that President Museveni signed the legal instrument on December 27, 2017.

Parliament passed the amendment on December 20, 2017 and was sent to the President for his signature of assent to make it into an act of Parliament. The controversial law effectively allows President Museveni, now 72 years old, to vie for several more terms.

The act, unless successfully challenged in coats of law, also extends the terms of office for MPs and Local council leaders from 5 to 7 years.

The constitutional amendment was criticised widely by sections of the public including the clergy.

The enactment of the law paves way for its opponents to take government to court. Over 100 MPs, and several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have vowed to sue the government over the bill.

Over the Christmas season, Museveni dismissed religious leaders who criticised him over the bill.

While celebrating the beginning of the New Year at Rubindi Catholic Church in Rubindi Town Council, Kashaari North in Mbarara, Museveni thanked the leadership of the Church for being foresighted instead of displaying hypocrisy.

“I respect clergy whose teaching is line with that of Jesus that emphasises honesty as opposed to hypocrisy. We should also preach forgiveness because Jesus even forgave those who crucified him,” said Museveni in apparent reference to clergy who’ve criticized him over the bill.

The head of the Catholic Church in Uganda Bishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and the bishop of Gulu John Baptist Odama are among the clergy who have been at the forefront of attacking politicians for going against the will of the people.

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