The Deputy Speaker Jacob Oulanya has deferred tabling of motion seeking to lift the presidential age limit to next week, after holding consultations with Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.
Oulanyah made the disclosure after a closed door meeting the Speaker, who she told that there are several petitions challenging the lifting of the constitutional 75-year cap for eligibility to contest for the presidency.
The age limit debate has caused a lot of public anxiety and tension, with acerbic exchanges between protagonists and antagonists of the bill, and the Parliament being cordoned off by heavily-armed police and military police, backed by armoured vehicles.
“Some legislators were saying that they are going to gym, this is improper, let us maintain calm and process what we need to process,” Oulanyah told the house.
Earlier on Monday police summoned four MPs led by Kampala Central Muhammad Nsereko, Sekikubo and Barnabas Tinkasimire (Buyaga West) and Allan Sewanyana (Makindye East). However only two, Nsereko and Sewanyana, showed up and were later released on bond, with the police later issuing a warrant of arrest for Sekikubo and Tinkasimire.
Lwemiyaga county MP Theodore Sekikubo has said he appear before Criminal Investigations Directorate of Police (CID) at Kibuli for interrogations ‘at any time’ to answer to charges related to ‘offensive communication’.
Meanwhile, Brigadier (rtd) Kasirye Gwanga today went to Parliament in what observers say was a show of defiance.
“Why are legislators making noise? I served the army for the last 45 years and now I am 65. At 65 years, should I be sidelined?’’ the controversial Brigadier chidingly asked.
He added: “I cannot enter parliament because legislators are crazy, and have not gone ahead to discuss NRM manifesto instead they are on age limit.”
Interestingly, in departure from the topic at hand, Brig. Gwanga thundered: “You came to encroach on my property; I use the diminishing ways to kick you out. I burnt it.”
