Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi
Government is set to amend the constitution and lift all age limit cap on local council positions after Attorney General and the Ministry of Local Government agreed to the proposal.
The decision was revealed at a meeting held between Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi, Electoral Commission and Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, who appeared before Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee to respond to queries on why some local council political aspirants have been turned away on account of being old (over 75years) or young below (30years) despite a constitutional amendment that lifted the age limit cap.
Simon Byabakama, Chairperson Electoral Commission said that the Commission is simply implementing the provisions of the law in the Local Government Act and the constitutional amendment on age limit only applied to two political positions, presidency and Local Council Five Chairpersons.
“Unfortunately for this one, it doesn’t contradict with any article in the constitution. It was specific for some offices; the President and LCV,” Byabakama said.
The EC boss was backed by Abdu Katuntu (Bugweri County), who said the problem lies with Parliament that enacted the law and provided for technicalities that don’t mean sense.
“Why should anybody use a law to be creating a debate that doesn’t reflect justice? If you realize there is a crisis, move an amendment. Justice Byabakama has nothing for this. We have realized there is a challenge of form against substance. Why can’t Attorney General move to amend the law? If that happens, we wouldn’t be having EC here with us,” Katuntu said.
Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) also absolved EC from any wrong doing.
“I think there was a grave omission on the part of Government and Parliament. The constitutional amendment bill that sought to remove age was specific, it applied to President and LCV Chairpersons,” Basalirwa said.
He added: “Is EC attempting to keep away people below 35? Government should be moving fast to amend the law. There is a gazette bill, include this provision. Otherwise you are going to cause fracas in the country. Nomination dates aren’t legal. The nomination of these candidates can be differed. This matter should be addressed urgently.”
The Committee also agreed to maintain the status-quo on the requirement for political aspirants to publish their names in the gazette and one third for women positions on local council.
Minister Magyezi told the Committee that when he moved amendment to lift presidential age limit, his assumption was that the government would proceed to amend other laws.
“We should remove age limit for town councils, municipalities so long as one has basic qualifications,” he said.
