Ugandan court upholds presidential age limit amendment

   KAMPALA, July 27 -- Uganda's constitutional court on Thursday ruled that parliament's removal of an age cap at which one can ran for presidency was constitutional.
   The judges, 4 to 1 ruled that parliament's removal of the age cap did not contravene the country's constitution paving way for incumbent President Yoweri Museveni to possibly contest in the 2021 elections if he wishes.
   Parliament in December last year amended the country's constitution in which it removed the age limit of 75 years as maximum and 35 years as minimum for one to run for presidency.
   Opposition leaders, civil society argued that the move was illegal since the process leading to the amendment was marred with violence, intimidation among others.  
   They also argued that the move clears the way for President Museveni who has been in power for over 30 years to run for another term of office.
   Museveni, who currently is 73 years of age would be over 75 years by the time the next presidential elections are held in 2021.
   Justice Elizabeth Kibuuka Musoke, argued that although the removal of age limit may encourage the incumbent to stay in power, the citizens reserve the right to vote for or against in elections.   
   Three other judges had similar arguments as Justice Kibuuka.
   Justice Kenneth Kakuru differed from his colleagues, noting that the move was unconstitutional and not in the interest of the people.
   Kakuru partly based his argument on the country's checkered history which is characterized with wars and lack of respect for the will of the people.
   "I declare that the entire constitutional amendment Act is unconstitutional and therefore null and void. All its provisions ought to be expunged from the constitution of Uganda," said Kakuru.
   The judges unanimously dismissed the provision for the reinstatement and entrenchment of the two five-year presidential term limits, which were scrapped off in 2005 amid accusations that the move was meant to favor President Museveni.
   The Court also quashed the amendment that extended parliament's and local council term of office from 5 years to 7 years, starting with the ongoing term. All judges had a unanimous decision on this.
   Mwesigwa Rukutana, the deputy attorney general to court that he respected the ruling despite not being comfortable with some of the decisions made in the ruling.
   Wandela Ogalo who led a team of lawyers who represented some of the petitioners also said that they respect the decisions of the court.
   Male Mabirizi, another lawyer told court that he was going to appeal some of the decisions taken.
   The over 13 hours court ruling held in the eastern Ugandan town of Mbale was telecast live amid tight security in the capital Kampala and other major towns in the country.
   Police anticipated that protests would erupt resulting from the ruling.(Xinhua)