The Cabinet of Uganda has today given the green light to a referendum for Ugandans to decide whether or not to extend the presidential term from five to seven years.
Deputy information minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has told NBS TV this evening that the Cabinet decision is aimed at harmonizing the term of Parliament with that of the president.
NRM parliamentarians overwhelmingly endorsed an extension to their term of office from 5 to 7 years last month, when they voted to lift the age-limits for anyone to contest for presidency.
Extending the term of the presidency is an entrenched provision of the constitution, hence the latest move.
Minister Baryomunsi did not specify the exact date on which the referendum will be held but confirmed it will be held this year.
The referendum however comes against significant opposition from different sections of the public, including from the Uganda Law Society. Uganda Law Society (ULS) this week filed a constitutional petition challenging the Constitutional Amendment that was passed last December.
