UGANDA: One feared dead as protests persists over Museveni’s plan to extend rule

Protests have erupted in the streets of Uganda and the capital Kampala in particular with the death of a victim confirmed as police fired bullets and teargas to disperse opposition demonstrators marching against plans by President Yoweri Museveni to extend his rule.

A bill to let the 73-year-old president stand again in 2021 elections has angered opposition supporters as the police have reportedly broken up a series of protests in recent days.

The Ugandan constitution currently sets an age limit for candidates at 75 as Museveni hopes to still hang on to power even as rights organisations and activists have criticised moves by several other long-serving African rulers, notably in Rwanda, Burundi and Burkina Faso, to stay in power by extending term limits.

Weeks ago, Ugandan lawmakers engaged in a two-day brawl over a proposed decision to change the country’s constitution to let long-ruling Museveni run for re-election after age 75.

The fiercely disputed move saw lawmakers exchange blows and kicks, with some using microphone stands as crude weapons in the melee.

At least two female lawmakers were carried out of the chamber after collapsing in the free for all and were rushed to hospital where they received medical attention.

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