Police has Tuesday afternoon arrested a group of female activists that were protesting against the limit.
They were arrested at the National Theater before they began walking to parliament in protest, as planned.
The arrests have been confirmed by Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE), a platform for Ugandan women that advocates for gender equity and equality in the decision making process.
“Women activists demonstrating against age limits arrested at National theatre. Lock up is not where a peaceful activist should be. #Women4UG Age limits must stay! We’re locked up with no charges!” they tweeted.
The arrested include; Sheila Muwanga, Faridah Lule, Maria Magezi, Patricia Twasiima, Susan Mirembe, Yvonne Mpambara, Godiva Akullo, Milly Nakakande, Jessica Nkuuhe, Robina Rubimbwa, Olga Agiri and a one
Rose.
The others are; Truth Kamuli Musmenta, Maria Birabwo , Catherine Kanabahita, Mariam Nakaketo, Berna Bakidde, Deborah Nambalirwa, Franklin Mbamanya, Edith Ssempala, Juanita Senfuuka, Asiya Nagudi, Scovia Arinaitwe and Lydia Natalejja.
The arrested are being held at Kira police, Namugongo. “Agenda continues with prayers. Age limits stay!”
It ought to be remembered that Nakifuma County MP, Robert Ssekitoleko last month successfully tabled his motion seeking Parliament permission to bring a private member’s bill to amend the Constitution.
The bill seeks to amend Article 144 by upping the retirement age of judicial officials from 70 to 75 years.
It is also said that in the same respect, the age limit for the President, will be brought in as the debate rages on. If removed this will give President Museveni chance to contest for presidency in 2021. Currently, Mr Museveni cannot contest for presidency because the Constitution bars him since by 2021, he will be past 75 years.
However, the opposition has already expressed concern that this could be a decoy to amend Article 102(b) that limits the president’s age at 75 years.
