Police and other security agencies have put key Ugandan opposition leaders under surveillance for reportedly planning massive demonstrations against the proposed presidential age limit bill.
The government chief whip last week informed Cabinet about the Proposal of a member of Parliament Hon Raphael Magezi to move a private members bill in respect of article 102(b) and other constitutional amendments in Parliament.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Constitution to scrap the age limit of 75 years for presidential candidates.
The opposition claim the bill is meant to allow President Museveni’s stand for reelection in 2021 and entrench a life presidency.
But Magezi says the Constitutional age limit provision is discriminatory for the young and elderly who are able to provide good leadership.
He further argues that even advanced democracies including United States and Britain don’t have age limits.
But opposition leaders have since vowed to put up a spirited fight against the bill, planning countrywide resistance.
Appearing on a television talk show last week, former FDC President Dr Kizza Besigye said he would support all efforts aimed at challenging the bill.
FDC spokesperson Ibrahim Ssempijja Nganda recently threatened political action against president Museveni and all Members of Parliament who will line behind him in the quest to scrap the age limit.
“We warm Museveni to tame his appetite for power and whoever is willing to help him, shall become a primary target for destruction. This is a battle for not only FDC but all Ugandans,” charged Ssemujju.
Opposition further allege the move to amend the Constitution could polarize society.
Sources told ChimpReports that opposition leaders and NGOs were clandestinely mobilizing masses to rise and challenge the bill by holding demonstrations starting today.
The protests are expected to take place in urban areas and opposition strongholds.
The key leaders being monitored by police are Dr Kizza Besigye, MP Mubarak Munyagwa, Mohammed Nsereko, Ingrid Turinawe, Allan Ssewanyana and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago.
It is said the opposition chiefs have mobilized several civil society groups such as Uganda Youth Network, unemployed youth in Kalerwe with the view of marching to State House Nakasero and Parliament.
Officials said the opposition’s plan is to send a message in Uganda and beyond that there is popular resistance against the age limit.
“These people have resumed their usual confrontational politics,” said a source who preferred anonymity so as to speak freely.
“But we will defeat them.”
The development could mark the beginning of a new wave of street fights between security forces and opposition activists.
Previous confrontations have left a trail of bloodshed and destruction of property.
Minister Evelyne Anite last week warned the opposition of a fight should they continue “intimidating” supporters of the age limit bill.
She said those who are pro-age limit should not be silenced.
Minister Chris Baryomunsi also told opponents of the bill that, “If you have a point, sell it on the floor of Parliament but don’t silence it.”
Cabinet has since given a green light to the Chief whip to “advise the Member wishing to table the Private members bill to follow the established legislative procedure in accordance with law.”