Uganda: Opposition MPs reject age-limit 'bribery'

By Halima Athumani

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Members of the Ugandan opposition Wednesday stormed the accountant's office in Parliament to return what they described as dirty money.

On Tuesday, 445 lawmakers were given $8,000 by Parliament for consultations with their constituents on a controversial bill aiming to change the age limit to run for president.

“[President Yoweri] Museveni just wants to be smart. Last time he bribed MPs with 5 million [shillings, a little over $1,350], he has now increased to 29 [million shillings]. And we are saying No, we can’t be part of that bribery,” said chief whip in Parliament Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda who led the opposition MPs (10 as of edit of the story. That number may have increased).

The Ugandan constitution prevents anyone over the age of 75 to run for president.

If the constitution is amended, Museveni who has been in power for 30 years will be able to run in the 2021 election for a sixth term in office.

Joseph Kakooza, a member of the ruling party, said the parliamentary commission gave them an extra role and is just providing what he described as facilitation.

“The speaker was very clear and said, 'you go and do such a role which is given to you by parliament', the commission is facilitating that extra role," he said.

On Tuesday, President Yoweri Museveni called for a meeting of the ruling National Resistance Movement party central executive committee.

The party's top organ called to fully support the constitutional amendment and popularize the decision to the entire country.

Consultations around the country continue with opposition rallies being dispersed by police, which use live bullets and tear gas, while ruling party members reportedly hold meetings in their homes and town halls.