Close This website uses modern features that are not supported by your browser. Click here for more information.
Please upgrade to a modern browser to view this website properly. Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Opera Safari
your legal news hub
Sub Menu
Search

Search

Filter
Filter
Filter
A A A

Top court addresses term-limit issue

Publish date: 16 April 2018
Issue Number: 769
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Uganda

Uganda’s Constitutional Court, sitting in the eastern city of Mbale, is hearing an opposition attempt to annul a constitutional amendment which removes presidential age limits. As previously reported in Legalbrief Today, MPs last year overwhelmingly voted to scrap the age limit of 75. It meant 73-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, in power for more than 30 years, could seek re-election in 2021. BBC News reports that opposition lawyers argued that the amendment was ‘smuggled’ into law, and Parliament had not followed proper procedures when adopting it. It marks the first time a major constitutional petition is being heard in a regional city. The hearing was moved from Kampala to avoid drawing too much public attention to it. The report notes that the petitioners include opposition MPs, the Uganda Law Society and civil society groups. They say the amendment is invalid because it was passed during parliamentary sessions marred by brawls and plain-clothes security operatives assaulting and dragging MPs out of the chamber.

Full BBC News report

We use cookies to give you a personalised experience that suits your online behaviour on our websites. Otherwise, you may click here to learn more, or learn how to block or disable cookies. Disabling cookies might cause you to experience difficulties on our website as some functionality relies on cookie information. You can change your mind at any time by visiting “Cookie Preferences”. Any personal data about you will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.