Parliament has this afternoon held a special sitting, to pay tribute to the fallen Democratic Party official, John Ssebaana Kizito, with calls to government not to amend the Constitution, to scrap off the Presidential age limit.
The call was made by Opposition Chief Whip, Ssemujju Nganda
Who informed Parliament that even on his death bed; Ssebaana raised concerns over maneuvering of what he called Regime loyalists, to change the constitution so as to make President Yoweri Museveni, a life president.
Ssemujju noted, “It is not surprising that even on his death bed, he was still concerned about maneuvers being done by some regime loyalists to change constitution so that President Yoweri Museveni can finally proclaim himself a life presidency.”
He noted scoffed at Government for showering praises at Ssebaana stating that the departed work is being undermined, by the constitutional proposals.
“The only be fitting tribute we can pay to Ssebaana is not to amend the constitution, lifting age limit for presidency,” Ssemujju said.
However, Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, replied to Ssemujju’s allegations noting, “The Constitution of Uganda isn’t my property, it is the property of the people of Uganda. It isn’t a commandment of God and all articles of the Constitution are amenable to amendment change when the population of Uganda so chooses,” Gen. Otafire said.
Masaka Municipality MP, Mathias Mpugga took to the floor, calling an end to Democratic Party wrangles, urging his fellow party members not to work for their personal benefits, but rather party’s benefit.
“Ssebaana worked for a free and fair society and is information in public domain. He has sponsored more than 400 young people for vocational training. Let us pick lessons in ensuring that we work for collective party goal and work to promote for institution of parties not for cults,” Mpugga said.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah also cautioned Ugandans against stereotypes in politics.
“It is only during this tribute that I got to learn that Ssebaana was not a Catholic. We have grown up knowing everyone from DP is Catholic and Muganda and everyone from Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) is Anglican. We must use that past as a resource that we invest for the better future. Some people have defied. We label only to define. Let us stop labeling instead living,” Oulanyah said.
