The debate on the restoration of presidential term limits was on Saturday afternoon launched in Hoima district with the launch of the Runyakitara version of the post 2011 electoral reforms agenda.
Restoration of the presidential term limits is number one of the eight proposed electoral reforms drafted by the Citizens Coalition on Electoral Democracy in Uganda-CCEDU
Although there are other proposals like cleaning up of the voters register and a need for an impartial Electoral Commission among others, the issue of presidential term limits dominated the whole discussion.
Lead by Assistant Bishop of Kampala Zac Niringiye who was the guest speaker, discussants one after another backed the restoration of presidential term limits. Bishop Niringiye said there was need for President Yoweri Museveni to relinquish power peacefully like it’s done in some other East African countries such as Tanzania and the developed world.
Bishop Niringiye said the president’s overstay in power is the reason why some people are becoming ignorant of the president’s role as the fountain of honor, but rather take him as a solution to petty problems.
//Cue in: “Can I tell you……….
Cue out:……… love him a lot.”//
Jackson Wabyona, the opposition FDC chairperson in Hoima district chairman, said that although the restoration of presidential term limits is good to enable peaceful transfer of power, many Ugandans view it as only targeting Museveni.
Wabyona says restoration of presidential term limits is vital in helping Ugandans to get rid of bad leaders in future.
Zakayo Amooti, a resident of Busiisi division, argued that term limits should cover all elective positions other than the presidency. He said Members of Parliament and other local council leaders should also have a limit saying that some have overstayed in office and cannot deliver anymore.
A few months ago legislators led by Western youth MP, Gerald Karuhanga began a push for the restoration of presidential term limits. Parliament is yet to discuss the issue.
Chris Kaheru, the CCEDU National Coordinator, said they came up with the proposed reforms basing on recommendations by several election observers.
Kaheru said the launch of the Runyakitara version is a way of promoting the proposals among the local people who will in turn push their legislators to pass them for implementation.
//Cue in: “For all these………
Cue out:………today.”//
Justin Mugabi, the Electoral Commissioner in charge of Western Uganda, presided over the launch on behalf of the commission chairperson, Engineer Badru Kiggundu.
None of the area MPs, save for Hoima Municipality MP Henry Kajura, who sent an apology, attended the function despite being invited.
