Uganda’s MPs were locked in debate this afternoon over a proposed amendment to the constitution to extend their term in office from five to seven years.

Critics described the idea as a sign of the ruling party’s greed, and said MPs should not be afraid of seeking re-election if they knew they had served their constituencies well.

Other opposition MPs said the plan to extend parliament’s lifespan was intended to reward MPs who support moves to lift the presidential age limit so that President Yower Museveni, 75, becomes “life president”.

But ruling party MPs argued that a longer term will give lawmakers enough time to serve their people and implement development projects.

A vote on the proposal is expected to take place tomorrow.

Earlier today, the speaker ordered an investigation into allegations that soldiers were camped in parliamentary chapels, and that plastic bottles of urine and food utensils were found in the places of worship.