Besigye Orders Ugandans to Restore Constitutionalism by all Means

by Valerian Kkonde

PEARL NEWS SERVICE

Dr. Besigye and others wear red ribbons to oppose raping the Constitution

Retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye, popularly referred to as the people’s president, has called on all peace-loving Ugandans to do whatever it takes to restore constitutionalism in the country.

Besigye made this order during a press conference held at his office on Katonga road in Kampala on December 22, 2017. This was two days after Members of Parliament irregularly amended the Constitution and removed the age limit to allow President Museveni to stay in power. To contest for the presidency, one had to be between 35 and 75 years of age.

“The framers of the 1995 Constitution knew that there will arise some people who will want to twist it and so immunized it against what Museveni and his disgraceful MPs are doing.

“Article 3 states that anyone who amends the Constitution irregularly or even just tries to do so commits treason. It goes ahead and orders Ugandans to do everything possible even if it involves taking up arms to restore the Constitution.”

Besigye told Ugandans that although the Constitution orders them to do all that, they are going to apply even the other methods like going to the local courts and the East African court.

“We know how all institutions in the country lack independence but they must do their work when they are approached.”

He again reminded Ugandans to take seriously their duty to defend the Constitution. He told them that “those Ugandans who want their country to take a different path from the one Museveni is forcing it to, must begin taking action effective 9^th January 2018.”

Further warning of the turbulent times ahead, Besigye warned that after the rape of the Constitution, “land-grabbing is going to accelerate.” He added that the Local Council 1 elections had been suspended because the whole country is against Museveni’s government.

“This stage is a matter of life and death.  Either we get our country back or surrender it to thugs.”

Turning to the festive season that the world is going through, Besigye urged Ugandans “to go through the festive season by extending love to our neighbours as commanded by God.

“The trying moments we are going through dictate this.”

On his part, the Lord Mayor of Kampala, Erias Lukwago, said that the representatives of the people committed treason. He called upon Ugandans to respond positively when called upon.

“What we have today is rule by law ad not rule of law. We have to rise up and defend the Constitution. It is our duty.”

Lukwago pointed out that those who had raped the Constitution were trying to put on a brave face but their consciences were accusing them. As the press conference proceeded, the MPs who had supported the irregular amendments were on their way to State House in Entebe to be congratulated by President Museveni.

“Ugandans, how can you allow people to wine and dine after abrogating the Constitution?”

On the extensions of seven years to the five-year Parliamentary term as well as that of Local Council leaders, Lukwago pointed out that it was all hot air.

“Before you get excited, better reflect on the provisions of the Constitution. Magyezi sought leave of Parliament to amend Article 102 (b). Even the Certificate of Financial Implication was issued for that. It is an absurdity.”

The Lord Mayor stressed that the process was marred with violence and illegalities so it must be challenged.

The newly elected President General of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Patrick Otuboi said that the party was proud to be associated with Dr. Besigye’s statement. He pointed out that Uganda’s population is almost forty million but it is absurd that only three hundred people decided against the will of the people. He added that “all those who voted against the amendment are going to be recognised as heroes of this country.”

Twenty eight National Resistance Movement MPs, the ruling party, voted against the amendments.

Besigye was FDC’s presidential candidate during the Presidential elections of 2016 and was widely considered to have won the election.

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