Business in Pader Town Council on Tuesday morning was paralyzed as police battled a group of youth who staged a demonstration against the bill now before parliament aimed at lifting the upper cap in the constitution to allow President Museveni contest again in 2021.
Museveni, 73, will not be eligible to contest in 2021 unless the constitution is amended. The upper age limit for anyone to contest for President is 75. The lower is 35.
Similar cases of demonstrations against the lifting of the age limit has been reported in Kampala, Kabale and Iganga districts, among others.
Walter Akena, the former Pader district chairperson said the clashes between police and the youth started around 8 am on Tuesday morning when the group of youth carrying placards opposing the bill lit used vehicle tires and logs along blocking the road connecting Kampala, Kalongo and Pajule.
Police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse the youth, forcing businesses to close shop.
Jacky Akello, an eye witnesses said the protestors wore red ribbons on their heads and marched along the road denouncing the move by ruling party NRM members to lift the age limit from the constitution.
Police say they ‘‘contained the situation’’ in Pader.
At the time of posting this story, the age limit bill parliament was expected to be tabled before parliament. If successful, the bill will scrap off article 102 (b) from the constitution.
The article states that a presidential candidate should not be above 75 years.
