After NRM party legislators endorsed a move to lift the age limit in Uganda’s Constitution, the Democratic Party (DP) has decided to take the battle against the move to the countryside.
This morning, DP vice president Mukasa Mbidde and the party’s secretary general Gerald Siranda were arrested in Fort portal town where they had gone to brief residents on the dangers of amending Article 205(b) of the Constitution.
Article 205 (b) of the Constitution bars anybody below 35 and above 75 years from contesting for the Presidency.
The DP leaders were arrested while addressing journalists at Post office in Fort portal town before proceeding to meet the locals.
Police say the leaders were arrested for holding an illegal assembly. Lydia Tumushabe, the Rwenzori region police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of the DP party leaders, adding that they have been charged with holding illegal assembly. Meanwhile, security in the district has been tightened with police vehicles patrolling the area.
MPs vow to fight on
Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko said they will go to the gym as they prepare to fight in Parliament when the matter is tabled.
“You will not read that document. We shall tear it,” Nsereko said.
Other NRM legislators blocking the project include Kumi Woman MP Monica Amoding, James Acidri, Felix Okot Ogong and Fred Turyamuhweza.
Not threatened
But the agitators like Evelyn Anite, the State minister for Investment and Koboko Municipality MP, said they will not be intimidated because they have support of the army.
But the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has distanced itself from Anite’s remarks with
UPDF publicist Brig. Richard Karemire saying Anite cannot speak for the army.
