Some of the NRM legislators proposing the restoration of presidential term limits have vowed to continue with their endeavor despite calls from party leaders to drop the matter.
Uganda Radio Network talked to some of the NRM legislators who have been part of the team pushing for the restoration of term limits. They say they are unwilling to yield to party pressure, warning that they will not be intimidated.
Over the weekend, NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) chaired by President Yoweri Museveni reportedly voted against reviving term limits debate, noting that the matter was concluded in a 2005 constitutional amendment.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, who is also NRM Secretary General, warned to take stern action against any legislator who will proceed with the matter. CEC, which is the highest decision making body in NRM, resolved that any member who takes a position contrary to that of the party will be deemed to have engaged in an act of indiscipline, and will be reprimanded.
But Henry Musasizi, the Rubanda East MP says when they started the initiative they did not consult the party and they will continue with the activity despite the threats. This, he says, is a democratic issue that needs to be pushed in the interest of the country not for the ruling party of the day.
Winfred Niwagaba, Ndorwa East MP says intimidation at this point will not work. To him, the restoration of presidential term limits is the responsibility of a nationalist who believes in good governance. He told URN that if backing the motion to restore term limits is an offence then he is ready to receive criminal sermons for the same.
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Also in agreement is Denis Hamson Obua, the Ajuri County MP. He says he will not back off just because CEC has ordered. He believes Uganda cannot be run like a company where its employees follow orders. Besides, CEC has not communicated its decisions to other organs of the party. As a legislator, Obua says his representative role can only be played by speaking therefore gagging them would not be helpful.
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Rwampara MP Vincent Kyamadidi dismissed the statement from NRM as laughable. He vows to continue talking about the term limits until they are restored.
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The debate on term limits picked up momentum last week at Parliament when a group of MPs across the political divide launched a campaign to restore the presidential term limits. Led by Western Youth MP, Gerald Karuhanga, the lawmakers argued that the removal of the presidential term limits in 2005 was a mistake that needs to be corrected. They now want to reinstate two five-year terms for a president.
