Ugandan legislators voted overwhelmingly late on Wednesday to remove from the constitution an age cap of 75 for presidential candidates, allowing President Yoweri Museveni, 73, to seek re-election at the next polls in 2021. At the end of Wednesday's daylong House debate, which capped a protracted and violence-marred process to remove that age limit, MPs voted 315-62 in favour of the amendment.
Critics say the move opens the possibility of a life presidency for Museveni, who has ruled the east African country for 31 years. Several African leaders have amended laws designed to limit their tenure. Such moves have fueled violence in countries including Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
Initially hailed for restoring political order and fostering economic growth, Museveni has lately come under mounting pressure fueled by runaway corruption, and accusations he uses security forces to maintain his grip on power.
Both military and police personnel were heavily deployed around parliament this week, which opposition MPs say was meant to intimidate members.
