As we wait for the debate on Presidential age limits, we should try and be focused on development, poverty alleviation, health or education for example. But the age limit removal debate is lingering behind Uganda's political consciousness and might again become the central topic once it is scheduled for parliamentary debate. Everyone knows it's coming and everyone knows that it is the most irresistable amendment to most legislators and party cadres given the rewards it could generate in terms of seniority in the party hierarchy and the related goodies that come with it. Remember that the unfinished Constitution Amendment process had been postponed by the 9th parliament last year. As I mentioned before, I had voluntarily participated by drafting 28 precise constitutional amendments. It was my patriotic contribution to my country. The requirement was that each amendment's reasons be explained rigourously, and a proposed draft text attached. Of course many other citizens and civil society also made their own proposals. And I commend all those who took the time to actively participate rather than do nothing but always complain. Their proposals were submitted to the Secretary Uganda Law Reform Commission, 8th floor, Workers House, Kampala. As we all remember, and to my great shock, all were summarily ignored. None reached parliament for primary perusal. But that wasn't our fault. It was gross negligence and incompetence of those responsible. Maybe because they were surely thought to include the much publicized re-instatement of the two term presidential term limit. However it is on that day that I saw Uganda as a deliberate democratic illusion. A corrupt military dictatorship badly covered under a most holy veil. Meanwhile, we know that the debate is coming. There is no way the opportunity will be missed because it's known purpose is now. And though a date is yet to be set, I call on civil society and all stake holders to already embark on brainstorming with the view of making a concerted effort to see that rather than removing the age limit, Parliament should receive, examine the merits of, and ultimately debate all the sidelined constitution amendment proposals. For God and my country.
Written by Mr. Hussein Lumumba Amin. Kampala, Uganda. Date: 15/06/2016
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