The Democratic Party (DP) has trained ‘boys to resist police brutality’ during the party’s planned countrywide campaign against lifting of the presidential age limit that is capped at 75 years under the 1995 Constitution.
According to the DP and sections of the populace, there is a plot by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to amend Article 102 (b) of the Constitution, in a bid to pave the way for President Yoweri Museveni to rule beyond his constitutional age limit in 2021.
But addressing the press at DP headquarters in Kampala today, the Acting Secretary General Gerald Siranda said Article 102(b) is ‘the only bullet in chamber’ to end ‘Museveni’s monarchism’ and lead to a peaceful transition of power.
He said that as part of the anti-age lifting campaign, members of the DP led by party President Norbert Mao and involved in campaigns in the Central Business District (CBD), were violently arrested and detained by police. He however, said that party officials are not deterred and will head for the Bweyogerere suburb on Thursday, before proceeding to Jinja, eastern Uganda.
“The police is a partisan institution when it comes to political issues; police officers wear catchy uniforms with yellow t- shirts inside,” Mr. Siranda adding that last week eight DP members were critically injured by police.
“This time we shall not tolerate the acts of incompetent police. Therefore the party has trained boys to confront police in case they disrupt their campaign,” he said and implored President Museveni “to retire after this term and looks after his cows.”
Dr. Siranda also urged political activists to show support to William Ntege aka Kyuma Kya Yesu, who accosted Kassanda MP Simeo Nsubuga, a protagonist for lifting of the age limit, during the Kabaka Ronald Mutebi’s 24th coronation ceremony in Mityana last week.
Kyuma kya Yesu, who is facing assault charges, was arrested on Monday and is currently held in Mubende, where he is expected to be arraigned before court tomorrow.
“Activists should go to Mubende and stand surety for Kyuma kya Yesu who stood in the way against malicious leaders spearheading the lifting of the presidential age limit,” he said, adding that the DP had assigned lawyer Richard Lumu to represent Kyuma kya Yesu.
