After more than an hour of arguments between supporters and opponents of the effort to remove lower and upper age limits of 35 and 75 years of age respectively for presidential candidates from the constitution, the House voted to suspend rule 201 of its rules of procedure, allowing debate on the controversial matter to begin immediately rather than wait for at least three days as the rule requires.
The proceedings were characterised by comical scenes and arguments. Opposition members of parliament stormed out of the house only to return a few hours later. Kasibante Moses, Rubaga North MP, accused Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire of “sleeping” in the House while issues pertaining to his docket were being discussed. Otafiire countered that his eyes were “wide open,” although TV pictures appeared to show otherwise. Another MP was captured watching what appeared to be animations on his mobile device, while discussions were going on.
Earlier: Speaker Kadaga suspends six MPs over age limit debate