ALLOW THE SPIRIT OF CONSTITUTIONALISM PREVAIL

Uganda’s history is littered with bloodshed and political turmoil. It is a past defined by war, wanton destruction, killing and lawlessness. The horrific tales of this past will always linger on the mind of those who witnessed and experienced the excesses of political power.

Because of the ugly history which our country straddled, the 1995 constitution was written while recalling this past. The framers were mindful of the tyranny and the lack of rule of law which reigned unabated throughout the dark periods of the successive regimes. It was envisaged that by having a popular and durable constitution, Uganda will never slide back in anarchy and discord. The constitution was established based on the principles of unity, peace, equality, democracy, freedom, social justice and progress.

In an effort to prevent a return to a reign of terror, there are safeguards which were included as provisions in the constitution. These could serve as a curtailment of any emergence of a dictatorship so that democracy is nurtured by opening political space to all Ugandans for inclusive participation and involvement.

Reading from the political machinations and maneuverings over the last two decades, anybody who has closely followed the actions of the powers that be is justified to say the spirit of constitutionalism has been utterly shattered.

It started with deleting the term limits to enable the incumbent stand as many times as he wanted in elections that have never been free and fair. Of course a litany of events have occurred which violate the supremacy of the constitution.  The raging debate now to again tinker with the constitution and remove the age limit under article 102(b) confirms the fact that the current regime is bent on tenaciously holding on to power in total disregard of democratic ideals. Just like the Bourbon monarchy in France, the men who went to the bush so that they could restore the rule of law learnt nothing and forgot nothing.

It will be another sad event in this country if the proponents of lifting the age limit go ahead and give leeway to president Museveni to rule for life. This country has not experienced a peaceful transition and the contested provisions have not been given chance to operate. Given their numerical strength, it is likely that the NRM members will unashamedly bestow the title of emperor to the president.

However, as the NRM parliamentarians sacrifice the spirit of constitutionalism at the altar of selfish interests, history will judge them harshly.