By Mary Kisakye
MPIGI- The Minister for Trade and Industry and Mawokota North MP, Amelia Kyambadde, yesterday faced the wrath of her voters after a meeting she had called to consult on the age limit turned rowdy.
Trouble started when minister Kyambadde asked the pro and anti-age limit residents to line up and be counted during the Monday evening meeting at Mpigi Police Playground.
The queue of those opposed to the lifting of the age limit more than doubled that of those in support of the amendment. Hell broke loose when the minister failed to declare the outcome of the exercise, something that annoyed the majority residents sparking chaos.
The minister tried in vain to calm down the infuriated residents who kept on booing and heckling her, accusing her of trying to manipulate the position of the majority.
“Listen please, listen. I’ve heard from you and I conclude that many of you have rejected the bill,” Kyambadde said.
Kyambadde unceremoniously ended the meeting and was driven away amid tight security from police commanded by Ronald Mugalula, the acting Mpigi District police commander.
Minister Kyambadde had earlier promised residents that she was ready to take to Parliament their position on the matter.
” I want to assure you that I am concerned about the views of the majority on this crucial age limit issue,” she said.
Several councillors who spoke during the meeting rejected the bill tabled by Igara West MP Raphael Magyezi, saying it is not necessary and will block the peaceful transfer of power that many Ugandans wish to see.
“You are not clear on this issue Hon minister. You need to look beyond President Museveni and consider the future generation,” Hamza Kajubi, one of the councilors who attended the meeting said.
The age limit bill seeks to amend Article 102 (b) of the Constitution to scrap presidential age caps and allow President Museveni rule the country beyond the constitutional age limit of 75 years.
