Members of the ruling party yesterday endorsed the provisions in the proposed Public Order Management Bill, clearing the first hurdle for the proposed law which has already been criticised by the law society, civil society and human rights defenders as being repressive and unconstitutional.
During a parliamentary caucus meeting chaired by President Museveni, the legislators reportedly overwhelmingly agreed to support the Bill saying its enactment will help in curbing riots in the country.
The President had earlier indicated that he wants the Bill urgently passed into law to catch up with what he called wrong elements within society pursuing hidden agendas and those inciting violence in the public.
The Bill which was tabled in Parliament last year seeks to outlaw the use of megaphones, loudspeakers, loud hailer and public address apparatus except with a written permission of the Inspector General of Police or an authorised officer.
According to sources who attended the meeting, the President easily convinced the MPs and gave them the leverage to determine what constitutes a public gathering.
The MPs also changed clause six by removing the definition of the term public meeting reasoning that even one person can demonstrate.
During a parliamentary caucus meeting chaired by President Museveni, the legislators reportedly overwhelmingly agreed to support the Bill saying its enactment will help in curbing riots in the country.
The President had earlier indicated that he wants the Bill urgently passed into law to catch up with what he called wrong elements within society pursuing hidden agendas and those inciting violence in the public.
The Bill which was tabled in Parliament last year seeks to outlaw the use of megaphones, loudspeakers, loud hailer and public address apparatus except with a written permission of the Inspector General of Police or an authorised officer.
According to sources who attended the meeting, the President easily convinced the MPs and gave them the leverage to determine what constitutes a public gathering.
The MPs also changed clause six by removing the definition of the term public meeting reasoning that even one person can demonstrate.
