Kasese Woman MP Winfred Kiiza has announced plans by the Opposition MPs to traverse the country, in a sensitization drive on the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017.

Addressing journalists at Parliament this morning, Kiiza, who also doubles as Leader of Opposition, called on Ugandans to put their MPs on pressure to ensure the bill is kicked out of Parliament.

Recently, the Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana tabled the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2017, seeking to make amendments to Article 26 of the Constitution.

If passed in its current form, the Bill will give Government powers to compulsorily take over land for establishment of public infrastructure projects, to allow works to go on, as the owner of the land battles with government in court.

Kiiza was accompanied by fellow Opposition MPs including Chief Whip Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Angelline Osegge, Muwanga Kivumbi, William Nzoghu, Robert Centenary, Francis Zaake and Julius Ochieng.

“The law isn’t in good faith and is meant to dehumanize Ugandans because they are going to deprive Ugandans of their right to property,” she said.

The Kasese Woman protested Government’s justification to take over land for public development, revealing that the same Government is chocking on debts after failing to compensate people who willingly handed over their land.

The Opposition highlighted the land in Naguru and Shimoni where Government displaced a school and residents to construct affordable housing units and a first class hotel, but said both projects have never seen light of the day.

Further, she warned the Executive against the amendments on land, saying it is a ploy geared towards stripping courts of their powers.

“This is going to make harder for courts because Government intends to place money in court, for court to pass over to the owner. This is taking away the powers of courts. Courts aren’t supposed to be administrative units,” Kiiza said.

According to the Opposition, the compulsory land acquisition will make corruption ‘very normal’ because the country will be at the mercy of the Government Valuer.

Responding to questions on how the Opposition will fight to see the bill is killed, despite the few numbers in the House, the Opposition Leader answered: “It doesn’t matter how many you are, but what you are talking about. We may be few, but talking about a matter that is so dear and has entered deep to the bone marrow of Ugandans. Nobody is going to look about numbers.”

The opposition group revealed that they intend to visit all the 21 subregions in Uganda, with the sensitization gatherings kicking off in Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala.

On how the Opposition intends to solve the case of engaging in running battles with police over the ‘illegal gatherings’, Kiiza said that the Police has already been informed.

As a result, she also warned the Force against indulging in such acts, saying it would be illegal to stop MPs from carrying out their legislative duties in their constituencies.

“It should be in the intention of Police not to interfere instead of dealing with Ugandans after their land is taken. If Police is going to stop one arm of Government from doing their work, it will be unfortunate for it to be dragged into the matter,” Kiiza observed.

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Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao has been arrested while on his way to the City Square after launching the Togikwatako campaign, aimed at denouncing any amendment to the Constitution to remove the age limit cap that stands at 75 years.

Mao has been arrested together with other DP members including the party’s Secretary General Dr. Gerald Siranda, Amama Mbabazi’s former spokesperson Moses Bigirwa and the mayor of Mukono Ronald Kagimu. The MP for Kalungu West Joseph Sewungu walked to Central Police Station, Kampala, where those arrested were taken.

The Togikwatako campaign is aimed at stopping any changes to Article 102 (b) that sets the maximum age for one competing for presidency at 75 years.

Mao invited all Ugandans, political parties to join the campaign including the police claiming that they are also Ugandan and needs the salaries incremented and improvement of their welfare.

Earlier, while addressing members of the press at DP headquarters, Mao said President Museveni keeps changing his position on matters of Uganda’s presidency.

“Museveni said he wanted to rule for two years after 1986, later he said I must test the drive of the rule of law, after the formation of multiparty he said I must test the drive of multi-party politics, then after the formation of the 1995 Constitution that agitated to rule for two terms, in 2006 he initiated the removal of term limits, now he wants age limit lifted therefore we must stop this impunity,” he said.

“This is the time to break the silence against Museveni’s regime and we are going to mobilize the public through sensitizations, outreaches to protect the future of our children,” Mao said before his arrest.

According to Mao, the DP is going to petition MPs and local councils and then issue a voters book where protagonists against lifting of the presidential age limit will sign, with the aim of ensuring those who support the removal are defeated at elections.

“We must vaccinate that move before the disease attacks us,” Mao said adding that: “you cannot vaccinate a sick person or animals rather do it to prevent the sickness.”

Meanwhile, in a related development President Museveni yesterday rubbished those debating Article 102 (b), saying they are idlers who have nothing to do.

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The Minister of Tourism, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu has warned speculators over the allegations that Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo commonly known as Speke Resort Munyonyo was up for sell by government.

The minister made remarks at State House where, the tourism sector had taken investor to meet President Yoweri Museveni.

“Government warns speculators against takeover of Speke Resort. There is no such move; the public should separate Crane bank from the resort.  Prof. Kamuntu said. Adding “Much as there is a crisis over Crane bank, government will protect the hotel to avoid disruption of hospitality”

Section of the media has been awash with stories how government had taken over Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo over the allegations that the facility which is owned by Sudhir Ruparelia was up for grabs by government over the Crane Bank saga.

Recently Bank of Uganda dragged Crane bank majority share owner Sudhir to court claiming that he had encouraged in house lending which led to the collapse of the bank.

However, majority of the population have turned against BoU for failure to regulate the third largest bank in the country. Many say BoU failed in its obligation in performing its duties.

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