KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) – Ugandan police on Thursday fired tear gas to disperse protesters opposed to plans to introduce legislation that could allow the longtime president to extend his rule.
The bill is likely to be introduced in the national assembly later Thursday despite growing opposition from religious leaders, civic groups and opposition leaders.
Ugandan police had warned on Wednesday that no protests – in support of or against the president – would be allowed. But some opposition figures have vowed to mobilize mass support against a bill they believe is intended to enable President Yoweri Museveni to remain in power for the rest of his life despite having already ruled the East African country for more than three decades.
Uganda’s constitution bars anyone over the age of 75 from seeking the presidency. Museveni, 73, is ineligible to run again in 2021 if the age restriction remains.
His critics accuse him of using the security forces to harass the opposition, but Museveni’s supporters say he enjoys wide support across the country.