The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has shortlisted 37 candidates who will compete for two parliamentary seats in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, has confirmed that only two individuals will be elected from this list. He has also expressed gratitude to all those who have shown interest in serving the party.
The race for the two EALA slots under the NRM ticket is officially underway. Dr. Tanga Odoi, the head of the NRM Electoral Commission, stated that the elections for these seats will be conducted by the Members of Parliament who are part of the 11th Parliament. This is because the newly elected legislators have not yet been sworn in.
Among the 37 aspirants are several prominent figures who recently contested in the general elections for parliamentary and CEC positions but were unsuccessful. These include Singi Kitongole, Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, Steven Bujingo, and Juma Witonze, each of whom previously held significant political influence.
In a notable development, Moses Nsereko, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North, who is also a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has expressed interest in one of the EALA seats. Nsereko recently had his party card withdrawn by the NUP for expressing his ambition to run. He has now turned to the NRM, explaining that he has a strong grasp of the EALA’s functions and has outlined his vision for what he hopes to achieve.
The list also features a number of youthful aspirants, including Fred Rwakizi and Israel Kyarisima. This group argues that the East African Legislative Assembly requires vibrant, young leaders with fresh perspectives.
However, the selection process has not been without controversy. Member of Parliament James Kakooza has formally written to the NRM Electoral Commission, contesting the process of replacing some candidates. In his communication, he describes the ongoing preparations for substituting certain aspirants as unfair. Dr. Tanga Odoi has responded to these concerns, clarifying that it is against the law for a sitting MP to serve in two parliaments simultaneously. Therefore, any current MP seeking an EALA seat must resign from their current parliamentary position.
