LIST: 15 candidates nominated as EALA race gains momentum

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Parliament has so far nominated a total of fifteen (15) candidates to vie for the nine slots availed to Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

In the nomination exercise that kicked of yesterday (Monday), the independent candidates included; former Buyende Woman MP, Ms Veronica Babirye Kadogo, Ms Jacquiline Amongin, Former NBS Journalist Julius Bukyana, Dr Dennnis Kapyata, Mr Daniel Muwonge, Ms Stella Kiryowa, Legal practitioner Ms Phiona Rwandarugali, and Ms Patience Naamara Tumwesigye.

Others are; Mr Ambrose Murangira, Mr Allan Muyinda, Mr Ronex Tendo Kisembo, Mr Lauben Bwengye, Mr Gilbert Agaba, Ms Salaama Nakitende all independents, and Mr Mohamed Kateregga (Justice Forum).

Mr Adolf Mwesige, the Clerk to Parliament said a verification committee would be formed today to verify all the nominated candidates in the two-day exercise.

“After being verified, your names will be written in the gazette and media before being invited to come and appear for campaigns and voting that will take place on Semptember 29,” Mr Mwesigye said.

The nominated candidates pledged to promote political federation, economic integration, and unity among the member countries.

Ms Kadogo said she would work on the challenges affecting the EAC integration to ensure harmony while Ms. Amongin said she would advocate for implementation of the Kiswahili language in the member states to ease trade and communication.

Former NBS news anchor and journalist Julius Bukyana pledged to advocate for the common market protocol, saying Ugandan commodities are still struggling in some member states.

Of the 9 available seats in the EALA’s fifth regional assembly, NRM already has six slots ring-fenced (being the majority party opposition in parliament, leaving the opposition and independent candidates with only three seats to vie, of which the ruling party still vowed to support candidates from their “friendly parties (listed as Democratic Party (DP), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) and Justice Forum (JEEMA).

NRM’s six candidates who were last week endorsed to retain their current EALA seats include; Ms Rose Akol, Mr James Kakooza, Ms Mary Mugyenyi, Mr Paul Musamali, Mr Dennis Namara, and Mr George Odongo.