Full Investigation Report: The Betrayal of Uganda’s Parliament in the Age Limit Bill and Its Enduring Consequences

Prior to the amendment, Article 102(b) of the Ugandan Constitution capped the age for presidential candidates at 75, effectively setting a limit on the tenure of office bearers. The push to amend this clause began in earnest in 2017, with significant backing from members of the ruling party who were closely allied with President Museveni.

Key Events and Dates

July 2017: Motion introduced to discuss the removal of the age limit.
September 2017: Bill officially tabled in Parliament.
October 2017: Nationwide consultations begin amidst widespread protests.
December 20, 2017: Parliament passes the Age Limit Bill after a heated debate marked by physical confrontations and the expulsion of several opposition MPs from the session.

Members of Parliament Involved
Key proponents of the bill included major figures from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), such as:

Raphael Magyezi: Primary mover of the bill.
Major General Kahinda Otafiire: Vocal supporter.
Anite Evelyn: Known for her statement, “The Age Limit Must be Lifted.”

Suppression of Dissent
The debate over the Age Limit Bill was met with significant public and political opposition. Protests erupted across the country, but were often met with harsh responses from security forces. Notable incidents of suppression included:

Use of tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds.

Arrests of key opposition leaders and activists campaigning against the amendment.
Media blackouts and censorship during critical periods of debate.

The Biggest Mistake and Its Costs
The passage of the Age Limit Bill is widely regarded as a fundamental error that betrayed the democratic principles of Uganda. Since the amendment:

Increased Entrenchment of Dictatorship: Museveni’s hold on power has strengthened, reducing the efficacy of democratic checks and balances.
Human Rights Violations: The government’s grip has led to increased human rights abuses, as documented by local and international human rights organizations.

Political and Social Unrest: The disillusionment with the political system has fostered ongoing unrest and division within the country.
Current Situation Under Speaker Annet Among
With Annet Among as the Speaker of Parliament, concerns persist about the legislative body’s independence and its role under a deepening autocracy. Observers predict:

Continued Suppression of Opposition Voices: The Parliament, under the influence of the executive, may further stifle dissenting opinions.
Legislation Favoring Prolonged Rule: Future legislative actions may increasingly favor the ruling party’s grip on power.

Analysts’ Views
At the time of the bill’s passing, analysts warned of the potential slide towards autocracy. They noted that removing age limits without corresponding checks would concentrate power disproportionately. Today, their predictions of political instability and democratic backsliding are increasingly validated.

The removal of presidential age limits in Uganda represents a critical turning point that has significantly impacted the nation’s political dynamics and human rights situation. It underscores the ongoing challenges in combating authoritarianism under Museveni’s rule. This report calls for renewed vigilance and international attention to Uganda’s democratic erosion and the urgent need for structural reforms.