The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has today commenced the process of receiving nomination forms from party members seeking to represent Uganda in the 6th East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in Arusha, Tanzania.
This election is being conducted to fill two vacant seats for Ugandan representatives in the East African Parliament.
The vacancies arose following a communication from the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, who hails from Burundi. In a letter to the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among Magogo, it was indicated that the seats for two Ugandan representatives were vacant. The EALA Speaker subsequently requested Uganda to present new members to fill these positions.
The two vacant seats were previously held by James Kakooza, who was elected to the Ugandan Parliament as the representative for the Buganda region’s elders, and Denis Namara, the elected Member of Parliament for Buyaga West constituency. Both individuals continue to serve as members of the Ugandan Parliament.
Dr. Tang Odoi, the head of the NRM Electoral Commission, announced that interested party members were required to pick up nomination papers today and return them by tomorrow. The key requirements for aspiring candidates include:
· Payment of a non-refundable fee of two million Uganda shillings (UGX 2,000,000).
· Being a registered member of the NRM party.
· Possessing a minimum formal education of Senior Six (S6).
Aspirants Outline Their Visions
Several prominent figures were seen at the NRM Electoral Commission headquarters today to express their interest.
Stephen Bujjingo, who previously contested for the Nakasongola County parliamentary seat but was unsuccessful, is now vying for a position in the East African Legislative Assembly.
In his statement, Bujjingo emphasized his desire to advocate for the free movement of people across the East African Community (EAC), allowing citizens to seek employment in any partner state without restrictions. He also highlighted his intention to push for the harmonization of key sectors, including the petroleum and electricity industries, and to work on eliminating non-tariff barriers that hinder trade at border points.
Briton Kiwanuka, a former contender for the NRM party chairmanship who was also unsuccessful, has picked up nomination forms, which he is set to return tomorrow. Kiwanuka stated his commitment to supporting President Museveni’s vision of a unified East African Federation. He envisions a community where the partner states share a common language, a single currency, and have one leader to facilitate faster and more integrated development.
Robert Kato, a long-serving NRM official who previously led the party's electoral commission in Kampala and at the Lubaga division level, has also submitted his papers. Kato, who noted his 11 years of service to the NRM, is seeking this opportunity as a form of recognition for his loyalty. He aims to leverage his extensive experience to foster business and trade across the region, focusing on creating laws that will help commercial activities thrive.
Joseline Kamateneti, the Member of Parliament for Ntungamo district who was not re-elected in the recent general elections, is also repositioning her ambitions. She was present at the commission offices today to declare her interest in the EALA seat.
Additionally, journalist Odong Ortho was also seen at the commission offices, demonstrating his interest in the position.
The nomination process for collecting forms concludes today. Tomorrow, the NRM Electoral Commission is scheduled to begin the vetting process to shortlist candidates who meet all the required criteria. The final list of approved names will then be submitted to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) for further consideration and final decision.
