Ugandan MPs opposing presidential rule change attacked

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A law amending Uganda's constitution to allow President Yoweri Museveni to extend his rule was introduced in parliament on Tuesday, hours after the homes of two prominent MPs and critics of the proposed changes were attacked with explosive devices.

Musician-turned-lawmaker Bobi Wine – real name Robert Kyagulanyi – and fellow opposition MP Allan Ssewanyana said grenades were thrown at their homes overnight.

Bobi Wine – real name Robert Kyagulanyi – tweeted about the attack on his home. /Twitter

"There were three explosives last night," Wine said, pointing to the shattered glass in his son's bedroom window. Wine said this was the second such attack in recent days. "My family is living in fear," he added.

Ssewanyana said he was also attacked in the night. "People have thrown a grenade at my home. I need rescue," Ssewanyana said in a Facebook post in the early hours of Tuesday.

Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo tweeted his doubts about the attacks. /Twitter

A government spokesman, Ofwono Opondo, blamed the opposition for the explosions saying on Twitter they were caused by "flash bang grenades" and were intended as "scare tactics to frame [the government]."

Wine and Ssewanyana are among 24 MPs barred from parliament following angry brawls last week when a ruling party legislator proposed a bill removing constitutional age limits.

Controversial bill introduced

Museveni, 73, has ruled Uganda since 1986. He is as yet ineligible to seek re-election in the next polls in 2021 because the existing constitution places an age ceiling of 75 on anyone aspiring to the presidency.

The bill brought to parliament would remove the age hurdle. It must be approved by two-thirds of the legislature in its second and third readings in order to be approved.

Parliament spokesman Chris Obore said the bill was read and then referred to a parliamentary committee. "The committee will scrutinize it, hold public hearings and make a report on it ... then it will be returned to the House," he said.

A broad spectrum of Ugandans including the political opposition, religious leaders, rights activists and some members of the ruling party have voiced opposition to removing the age cap.

Ugandan opposition lawmakers fight with plain-clothes security personnel in parliament while protesting a proposed presidential age limit amendment bill, in Kampala, Uganda September 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Museveni's bid to remain in power in Uganda, a prospective crude oil producer and Africa's largest coffee exporter, follows a trend in the region.

In Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, efforts by leaders to change constitutional rules to retain power have sparked instability.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters