Public order bill could return to bite NRM MPs Ugandan lawmakers last week passed the controversial Public Order Management Bill, widely seen as a real obstacle to open political debate in the country. The bill, among others, imposes significant restrictions on public meetings and gives the police unprecedented powers to prohibit and disperse public gatherings of a political nature. Under the new law, for instance, the police have discretionary powers to prevent a gathering of as few as three people in a public place to discuss political issues, which makes it even more complex in the public eye. Activists have already warned that the bill, now at the mercy of the president before it becomes an act, will infringe on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression. A session organised to have the bill passed, had earlier ended in chaos, after an opposition lawmaker tore to pieces papers that contained lists of his counterparts in support of the controversial law. His actions may have been shameful, but it showed how disgusted most Ugandans are on some of these hastily passed laws. However, as to whether the president will assent to it is not something one can bet on. In any case, he was the main architect behind the whole law. Instead, we should brace ourselves for a police force that has, for years, brutalised citizens outside the law. As for the ruling party MPs, it was yet another political victory, while their opponents wept. But the tables could be turned one day. A man, like one newspaper editorial said after the bill was passed, should stay put when faced with consequences of his earlier actions. Let him face the music, others would say. Over the years, experience has shown that the law can sometimes turn to haunt its architect. Julius Uma
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 21:37:10 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015