Uganda: Continued risk of protest in Kampala over change to presidential age limit /update 3

Event

There remains a threat of unrest and accompanying violence in the capital city of Kampala over the coming days as demonstrators continue to object plans by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) to remove the presidential age limit. On Wednesday, September 21 security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a group of students gathered in front of the Makerere University, who marched towards Parliament to protest against the draft law. Additional security forces have since been deployed to the capital, including around the Parliament building. The bill was originally set to go before Parliament on September 21, but the debate has been delayed at a yet-to-be determined date. As such, further protests are likely in the coming days.

Context

Officials announced on  September 20 that all public gatherings in Kampala were banned in an attempt to prevent the September 21 demonstration in front of Parliament. Police have also raided the offices of at least two pro-democracy organizations in Kampala and arrested the mayor of the capital - an opposition party member- over allegations that he planned to attend the protest.

Legislators from President Museveni's ruling NRM party support the law removing presidential age limits from the constitution. The amendment would allow Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 and currently is 73 years old, to run for re-election again in 2021. The constitution was previously amended in 2005 to remove the two-term limit for presidents.

Protests over the bill have occurred in recent days, notably on September 18, when 11 people (including an opposition lawmaker) were arrested.

Advice

Individuals in Uganda are advised to monitor developments and avoid all gatherings as violence may flare up without warning. Additionally, localized transportation disruptions should be expected around any demonstrations.