27th of September 2017 will always be remembered in the political history of Uganda for the scenes that broke out as some 24 Opposition MPs were forcefully moved from the Parliament. The MPs had sought to block the tabling of a motion seeking leave of the Parliament to draft a Private Member’s Bill to remove the Presidential age limit. Another tense Parliamentary session convened for the second reading of the controversial Bill and those opposing the Constitutional amendment didn’t back down. “We have the courage and will to move this country to the next level, therefore, everything is set we shall put our brains.” Said, Theodore Ssekikubo – Lwemiyaga County MP. With the Speaker ready to stir another paralyzed session, an Associate Professor of Public Administration at Uganda Management Institution Dr. Gerald Karyeija said the Speaker and the legislators needed to operate independently without any interference. “Noise from the Opposition and heckling and excitement from the NRM will not be something that will help us to hold them in high esteem. So I think that the behavior, the conduct, the demeanor, the posturing in the Parliament should be sober.” Said, Assoc. Prof. Gerald Karyeija – Dean Sch. Of Management Science.

Karyeija also said Parliamentarians should not hood-wing the population on the after effects on whether the Bill passed or not. “Assuming ignorance of the population and presenting issues that are not worthwhile or convincing will not make us respect the Parliament anywhere.” Meanwhile, Lawyer and Lecturer at Makerere Law School, Dr. Maria Nassali argued that the Constitutional amendment was itself flawed. “It is very important that the government realizes that it represents the people so you cannot have views of Parliament which are views against the people.” Said, Dr. Maria Nassali – Lawyer. She said the undergoing move to amend Article 102 (b) of the Constitution was an attack on the fundamental principle of the 1995 Constitution. “You cannot say that after all that happened you have now sobered up and now you are going to debate this particular amendment.” However, the two Scholars advised for Parliamentarians largely and sharply divided along party lines. “The Speaker should be very firm in her conduct not to be overwhelmed either by the government side or the opposition. Two; the sanctity of the Parliament must be protected, protected from the Speaker herself, Members of Parliament and also other government forces like the security forces.” Said, Assoc. Prof. Gerald Karyeija – Dean Sch. of Management Science. “I think what is important here is to in fact read the Supreme Court decision indeed and also read some of the recommendations that were tabled at the close of the last Parliament.” Said, Dr. Maria Nassali – Lawyer.