Religious leaders under their umbrella organisation, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) issued a statement on Monday calling upon government to consider carrying out a referendum before proceeding with efforts to table the controversial bill to remove the presidential age limit.
The group said the debate on the removal of the presidential age limit is not a partisan issue to be monopolized by capricious politicians or members of parliament.
“We would like to counsel that the matter is so critical that it warrants the attention of all the citizens through a national dialogue or referendum.” Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, IRCU Chairperson told journalists during a press confrerence at Namirembe, Kampala.
Responding to the above statement, ICT and Information Minister, Frank Tumwebaze says if every piece of legislation has to be taken to a referendum, then Parliament would be abolished.
“If necessary, a referendum can be held, but let them tell us their reasoning for that and justification,” Tumwebaze told local media.”Secondly, did the CA delegates who put that provision of the age limit in the constitution do so after results of a referendum? Certainly not. Parliament acts on behalf of the people just like the house of Bishops acts on behalf of Christians to select a Bishop.”
Minister Mary Karooro Okurut says Uganda ought to remain a free and open society with unrestrained public debate that gives non-conformist ideas a chance instead of suppressing them.
“That is the essence of freedom and democracy – if you disagree with me, you should be able to beat me in teh court of public opinion by the sheer force of argument. And once it is done, beat me to the vote when time to cast the ballot on the matter has come.” She adds.
Wilfred Niwagaba, Shadow Attorney General says: “We have the powers as MPs to amend Article 102 (b), but I think it is fair, in light of our history, to refer a matter that goes to the core of constitutionalism to Ugandans.”
IRCU is constituted by; the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), the Church of the Province of Uganda (Church Of Uganda-COU), the Uganda Orthodox Church (UOC), the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), the Seventh-day Adventist Uganda Union (SDAUU), the Born Again Faith in Uganda (BAF) and the National Alliance of Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches in Uganda (NAPECU).
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
