The Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee has finalized the road-map on how the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill (No2) 2017 commonly referred to us Age Limit Bill will be processed.
This was revealed by Markson Oboth Oboth, the Committee Chairperson during a press briefing held at Parliament on Tuesday.
He revealed that former Presidential candidates including Amama Mbabazi, Kizza Besigye and Elton Mabirizi will be summoned to give their views about the Bill. Former Supreme Court judges; George William Kanyeihamba, constitutional and former Chief Justice Benjamin Odoc have been lined up to give the Committee their opinion about the proposed constitutional amendment as well as tip the Committee on how to write the report.
The Committee first had two closed door meetings to forge a best way on how Bill will be processed.
Oboth, who is also the West Budama County South MP revealed that the Committee will kick off its work on October31, 2017.
“We are finding all reason not to rush the process. We are preparing ourselves as a Committee with all the necessary literature,” Oboth said.
Although the Rules provide for 45 days within which the Committee has to prepare the Bill and present the report to Parliament, Oboth said this time around time maybe extended, with the closure date set for November 22nd 2017.
He said the Committee will be meeting three groups daily. Raphael Magyezi, the man behind the Bill is set to appear before the Committee on the first day.
Other notables set to appear before the Committee are Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, members of the Uganda Law Reform Commission, members of Civil society, political scientists, Interest groups; Youths, Women, Academia and Scholars among others.
“We shall not leave any opinion outside. It isn’t an ordinary bill. It is a bill amending the constitution. We want to be thorough. We can’t afford to be half hazard. We have dedicated ourselves to take this matter seriously,” Oboth said.
Why use money. Have they been giving money to MPs before amending former articles? Why 102b. That is corruption. Mind about the registration not to be considered as supporters. Be idealogical. For Kibale East Mp Frank Tumwebaze, don’t touch the constitution. Am from your constituency. We shall wait for you on paper