Museveni slams judges over parliamentary ruling

President Yoweri Museveni has criticised Constitutional Court judges for nullifying the extension of the term of Parliament from five years to seven, describing their decision as ‘undemocratic nonsense’. This, after the court with a 4-1 majority ruling, upheld the amendment of the Constitution to remove the presidential age limit. However, The Monitor reports that the five justices unanimously nullified the extension of the term of Parliament, saying it was unconstitutional because MPs did not seek or obtain people’s consent on the issue. ‘Unfortunately, our judges in Uganda spend more time on form and not substance. In the end, however, the judges are not the ones in charge of the country,’ he said in a statement. The petitioners had asked court to nullify the removal of age limit on the presidency and the extension of the term of Parliament. Legalbrief reports that the so-called ‘life presidency’ Bill will allow Museveni to rule until 2031. He has already served five terms in office.

Full report in The Monitor