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NRM Caucus agrees to extend Museveni term to 7 years,Janet on Deathbed

By Joseph Lubandi

Posted on December 13, 2017

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There are reports that the first lady is in a European hospital for treatment and that her condition is getting worse by the day.

Meanwhile the ruling NRM members of Parliament are considering amending the constitution to extend their term and that of the President to seven years.

Articles 77 and 105 of the Constitution provide for a 5 year term for both MPs and the President.

Any change or amendment of the above articles is not expected to be retrospective; in other words, taking effect in the current government, but rather prospective; that is, taking effect in the in the next elected government.

The National Resistance Movement Caucus sitting on Tuesday at the Office the Prime Minister resolved to increase their term lengths.

According to sources who attended the closed door meeting meant to galvanize support for the contentious Age Limit Amendment Bill, the Parliamentary committee on Legal Affairs has already included the proposal of extension in its report which is expected to be presented on the floor this week.

“The Committee has received views from many people saying the 5 year term is not enough. Even the President recently told them at State House that the current tenure isn’t sufficient for effective and satisfying delivery of the manifesto,” a source said.

Members also unanimously agreed that in the event that the amendment takes place, it should take immediate effect.

The Caucus was reportedly briefed on the Legal Affairs committee report condensed content by Hon Gaster Mugoya, who is a member of the committee.

A seven man committee including the Deputy Attorney General, Mwesigwa Rukutana; Gomba Woman MP, Robina Rwakojjo, Ajuri County MP, Denis Hamson Obua and Mugoya was set up by the Caucus to study the case of the change of the law to take effect in this term.

The committee reported back that the current law is silent on extension of tenure being retrospective and advised that the current MPs can benefit from the amendment.

The tenures of MPs and the President are currently decided by the voters. MPs can only extend the election exercise and only by a period of six months in case of any emergency in the country.

Articles 77 (3) and 77 (b) dictates thus the tenure of Parliament.

“(3) The term of Parliament shall be five years from the date of its first sitting after a general election.”

“(4) Where there exists a state of war or a state of emergency which would prevent a normal general election from being held, Parliament may, by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of all members of Parliament, extend the life of Parliament for a period not exceeding six months at a time.”

Meanwhile article 105(1) dictates the tenure of the president.

“(1) A person elected President under this Constitution shall, subject to clause (3) of this article, hold office for a term of five years.”

The Caucus is however conscious of the legal consequence and already anticipating court battles in case the tenures of MPs and Museveni is extended.

“Parliament has powers to do everything apart from changing a man to a woman or otherwise. We make laws and Judiciary operates from what Parliament has decided,” one of the selected NRM committee members who asked not to be told our reporter.

NRM MPs and Museveni are basing on article 259 which gives Parliament powers of amendment but subject to following the laid down procedure.

“(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, Parliament may amend by way of addition, variation or repeal, any provision of this Constitution in accordance with the procedure laid down in this Chapter.”

via: Campus Juice