President Yoweri Museveni has issued a sharp warning to Ugandans opposed to lifting presidential age limit, saying he will not allow the country to be thrown into chaos.

Museveni noted that the freedom in Uganda was bought with blood adding that it is with the same blood that the country’s peace will be protected if anyone tampered with the ‘peace and security’ Ugandans are enjoying.

He made the remarks this afternoon during the celebrations to mark 55years of Uganda’s independence held in Bushenyi district.

The President took a swipe at those he accused of attempting to distort the peace of Uganda, wondering how they claim to be democratic yet they are the same people who aren’t allowing people with divergent views to express them.

Without directly mentioning any names of individuals or groups, Museveni said; “Uganda’s independence and democracy was bought with blood of our patriots, therefore, nobody will be allowed to undermine it. I want to assure all Ugandans that the NRM government will continue to maintain peace and stability in Uganda.”

Museveni’s statement followed chaotic scenes that marred Parliament on September 27, 2017, after Speaker Rebecca Kadaga suspended 25 legislators for three sittings and plain clothed security operatives swung into action to evict the MPs.

As is norm, the President cited ‘the peace and security’ that was ushered in by his rule, but hastened to acknowledge what he termed a ‘few security spells’ following the women murders in the Entebbe. He however, assured the nation that his government is ‘on top of the game’ to put the crimes to rest.

“There has been a spate of crime but we are getting to bottom of this crime. We have made a lot of arrest and we are getting to that problem of crime,” Museveni said.

The President also called on Ugandans to be grateful for the peace they are currently enjoying, thanks to his leadership.

“But you know crime is different from terrorism and war. I want to assure you, nobody can bring back terrorism and war in Uganda,” said the President.

On how the regime intends to solve the problem, Museveni revealed that government is in plans to introduce ‘new methods’ which he said would be much quicker in terms of getting criminals.

As opposed to other national celebrations that have seen hundreds of medals dished out, this time round only 2 medals were given out.

Among the recipients were spiritual leader His Highness Aga Khan, who expressed gratitude to Museveni for awarding him with the highest civilian honour in Uganda, the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa, Grand Master medal.

In his speech, the Aga Khan, who has hundreds of investments spread across East Africa, noted that he was looking forward to the future of Uganda in hope, aspiration for better quality of work.

“My institutions have been here and it is my hope they will participate in improving lives for better generation,” he said.

But the medal awarded to businessman Hassan Bassajabalaba is what raised eyebrows, with government justifying the award saying the reportedly scandal-plagued man has contributed to the growth of both the education and health sectors of Uganda.

Meanwhile, Museveni also took a swipe at political leaders in the country, blaming them for seeking cheap popularity, instead of advising the locals into venturing into wealth creation projects.

He explained; “In pursuit of cheap popularity, the political leaders have abandoned their responsibility of guiding the population. I call upon all political leaders to shun pursuit of cheap popularity but promote the ethic of work otherwise many will stay poor.”

The President noted that although the country has made a number of strides in terms of economic transformation, this transformation would have been faster if people were serious about their jobs and businesses.

He particularly pointed out youths who wake up to gamble, playing cards and other games without taking part in any productive work.

After the function, the State Minister for Youth Nakiwala Kiyingi took advantage of the  endear herself to Museveni by parading what she called a group of ‘leaders from Democratic Party’, who had longed to have a photo opportunity with the President.

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Renowned legal scholar and politician Professor George Kanyeihamba has today said that Ugandans should recognise Dr. Milton Obote’s contribution towards Uganda’s attainment of Independence on October 9, 1962.

Kanyeihamba, a Constitutional Law scholar and one of the key figures that participated in drafting the 1995 Constitution, said Obote’s photo should have graced the front pages of today’s national newspapers as a symbol of remembering the country’s political journey over the last 55 years.

“The child (Uganda) started very healthy with vibrant energy but over the years, it has been starved with no future,” Kanyeihamba, a former Supreme Court Judge, said, adding: “Uganda is living a contradiction of Independence and even recently, it is living a contradiction of National Resistance Movement (NRM).”

“Independence Day celebrations should be aimed at what we remember and what we hope for our children,” Kanyeihamba, who is also an outspoken critic of human rights abuses, said while appearing on a local TV talkshow.

Kanyeihamba, a Museveni supporter-turned-critic, said the President has performed poorly in the respect for human rights.

And, reflecting on the recent ugly scenes in Parliament, where several opposition MPs were roughed up, Kanyeihamba said: “Obote never allowed people to fight and damage Parliament. Some of us have done badly.”

Among the MPs who faced the wrath of security personnel were Betty Nambooze Bakireke (Mukono Municipality); Angelina Osegge (Soroti Woman) and Francis Zaake Butebi (Mityana Municipality).

“Economically President Museveni might have done well, politically, human rights he has done worse than all past presidents,” Kanyeihamba said.

Meanwhile, Kanyeihamba, 78, one of the Ugandan elites who advocate for the retention of the 75-year age limit clause in the Constitution, has said it is time President Museveni retired.

“President Museveni has reached his political ceiling both mentally and physically,” he said, before imploring Ugandans to recognize the President’s contribution to Uganda.

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