The American embassy has criticized Wednesday’s violent arrests of lawmakers against the lifting of article 102b of the Uganda Constitution that caters for the presidential age limit.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the US Ambassador to Uganda, Ms Deborah Malac said the issue of the presidential age limit is one for Ugandans to decide and the Ugandan government is responsible for ensuring all citizens have a right to discuss it freely and without fear of intimidation.
Ms Malac also noted that her government was concerned by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) directive to broadcast media to stop live coverage of parliament proceedings which they claimed are in breach of the minimum broadcasting standards and the best practice guidelines for electronic media coverage/ reporting and broadcasting of live events.
“We are disturbed by reports of multiple arrests throughout the country, including reports of arrests and rough treatment of some Members of Parliament, and we expect Ugandan authorities to treat all these individuals humanely,” she said.
