MUKONO | More than ten youths, including Milly Nalubwama, a youth counselor from Mukono, were arrested during a peaceful demonstration against the proposed Togikwatako Bill, which aims to amend the constitution to remove the age limit for presidential candidates.
Alongside Nalubwama were other prominent figures, including John Kalema, Sarah Namutebi, Robert Kigongo, and Esther Mirembe. The group gathered on Luwum Street on Tuesday morning, wearing white T-shirts and carrying placards with messages opposing the constitutional amendment. The youth expressed their concerns about long-term leadership and government corruption, emphasizing that they sought a democratic process that limits presidential terms.
“We are here peacefully, voicing our concerns for the future of this country,” said Nalubwama to journalists. “Removing the age limit opens the door to authoritarianism, and we can’t let that happen.”
Government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo responded to the growing resistance, arguing that the recent Uganda Gazette notice was part of a process to establish a constitutional review commission. He criticized opposition voices for misrepresenting the government’s intentions and warned that such actions could detract from meaningful debate.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima confirmed the arrests, stating that further information would be provided following a departmental briefing. The proposed amendment to Article 102(b) has stirred intense debate, with many Ugandans expressing strong objections to any moves toward removing presidential age limits.
Deputy Attorney General Mwesigwa Rukutana also addressed the controversy, stating that no Bill had been introduced to amend Article 102(b). “As it stands, there is no government or private member Bill proposing this change,” he said, clarifying that the Cabinet’s focus remains on the Land Amendment Act.*
