Two city lawyers, Ian Gumisiriza and David Kamukama on Wednesday launched a campaign they hope will enable them raise enough signatures to have the age limit debate settled at a referendum.
They launched the campaign at USAFI Park after receiving a letter from the Electoral Commission (EC) boss giving the move a green light.
“We wrote to the EC asking that the age limit and land amendment’s proposals be settled in a referendum and we were allowed to gather signatures to hold it. The law states that a referendum can only be held after one has collected not less than 10% of registered voters’ signatures from 30% districts in the country,” Kamukama revealed on Wednesday.
Business Focus has seen the EC letter with a form attached.
He added, “We don’t have to kill ourselves because of our difference in opinion as is being evidenced with those in favor and against the amendments in the law. This issues should be decided on by a referendum, whether you want to have age limits scrapped or not and the critical decisions on the land amendment.”
In September, Raphael Magyezi presented a bill seeking to amend Article 102 (b) and remove age limits from the Constitution amid controversy and fist fights.
Specifically, Article 102 (b) states that a person is not qualified for election as president of Uganda if he or she is “less than thirty-five years and or more than seventy-five years of age.”
In a related development, the Land Amendment Bill 2017 seeks to amend article 26 of the Constitution in accordance with Articles 259 and 262 of the Constitution.
The purpose of the Bill according to government is to resolve the current problem of delayed implementation of Government infrastructure and investment projects due to disputes arising out of the compulsory land acquisition process.
Article 26 of the Constitution permits the government to acquire land for public use or in the interests of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health on condition that prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation prior to acquisition of the property and a right of access to court of law by the affected persons is made.
On who is funding the project, Kamukama revealed that they are using their own finances and hope to get support from those interested in having a referendum.
“We are using our own monies but I must add that there are people even within government but who may not want to be exposed and are silently supporting the cause,” Kamukama said before appealing to others to get on board and support the project.
Ian emphasized that the duo not represent the interests on any political party and are part of what they termed ‘concerned citizens’ working to ensure that the voice of every Uganda is heard on this matter.
