Three arrested over Museveni mock funeral

Police in Mbarara District have arrested three people over allegations of conducting a mock funeral for President Yoweri Museveni.
The three are Abert Nangumya, a student at Bishop Stuart University, 20, Rodgers Asiimwe, 26, and Maxi Muhumuza, a spokesperson of Ankole Kingdom.
They were found in possession of a coffin with an inscription "Rest in Peace Museveni," and a portrait of president Museveni.
In the same coffin, were names of Justice Minister Kahinda Otafiire and several other Members of Parliament.

According to police, the suspects were protesting against a ploy to amend the constitution to remove a limit on the presidential age. It comes at the backdrop of reports a section of National Resistance Movement (NRM) legislators have reportedly mooted a plan to amend the constitution to allow President Museveni to contest for the presidency in 2021 and that the constitutional amendment bill on the same has already been gazetted.
Under the current provision in article 102 of the 1995 constitution, President Museveni would not be eligible to contest for the seat. Born in 1944, Museveni will hit the limit before the next presidential election.

Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira told this reporter that the suspects had initially sought permission to hold a demonstration in Mbarara town. However, their request was rejected but they went ahead with their campaign.
Mr Kasasira says that the police have forwarded the file to the Mbarara Resident State Attorney for further advice on the matter.
The suspects are currently held at Mbarara Police Station. The case is registered under file number SD 06/06/07/2017.