Former presidential candidate Abed Bwanika, the President General of the Truth and Justice Forum (JEEMA) and former legislator for Rubaga South John Ken Lukyamuzi have today petitioned the High Court, seeking to block the amendment of Article 102 (b) on the presidential age limit by Parliament and instead have it subjected to a referendum.
Early this year, Dr. Bwanika received a form from EC to collect the 1.5 million signatures required for referendum to be held, a process that was frustrated by police that confiscated documents with over 40,000 signatures, making it impossible for him to make submissions on time yet Parliament is set to debate the matter.
And now, through lawyers led by Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi and Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the three want court to compel the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) provide a ‘USSD code’ on which they can collect electoral signatures and also compel the Electoral Commission to accept and consider the said signatures for purposes of holding a referendum.
The three contend that it’s cheaper and quicker to collect Electronic signatures as opposed to the traditional way but the EC, reportedly on the advice of UCC, has refused to accept this move.
According to Lwakafuzi, in June this year Dr. Bwanika specifically notified the EC of the need to hold a referendum on the issue of the presidential age limit but he only got a response four months later in October after Igara West MP Rapheal Magyezi had tabled a bill seeking the removal of the age limit clause that pegs the cap at 75 years.
In their petition, the three claim that it is only through a referendum that citizens can fully participate in the political affairs of their country but the EC and UCC have reportedly frustrated their efforts.
“Unless court orders that Parliament temporarily suspends discussing the age limit amendment bill, the citizens’ rights to directly participate in the governance of their country will be violated,” Lwakafuzi said at the High Court.
Those against lifting the age limit including the three politicians argue that it is aimed at President Yoweri Museveni’s stay in power perpetually.
