KAMPALA, UGANDA: Members of Parliament Thursday elected the nine representatives to represent Uganda at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for the next- five year term.
In an intense voting exercise held at Parliamentary chambers in Kampala, a total of 478 MPs voted for the Eala representatives, with only six lawmakers not involved in the voting while 11 spoiled their ballots.
The elected 9 EALA representatives include 6 from NRM. i.e; Ms Rose Akol (422 votes), Mr Denis Namara (405), Mr James Kakooza (405), Mr Stephen George Odongo (403), Mr Paul Musamali (401) and Ms Mary Mugyenyi (367).
The 9 candidates with the highest number of votes, and who become Uganda’s EALA representatives
were: NRM’s Rose Akol (422), Namara Dennis (415), Kakooza James (405), George Odongo (403), Musamali Paul (401), Mugenyi Mary (367)
The three other slots were won by Gerald Siranda of the Democratic Party (233 votes), Ms Veronica Babirye Kadogo (383) and, Ms Jacqueline Amongin (338) both independents.
Other candidates in the race who ended up as losers included; Harold Kaija Harold (FDC, 99); Ebil Fred (UPC, 139); Kateregga Mohamed (Jeema, 36), Agaba Gilbert (210); Ategeka Moses (4); Bukyana Julius (8); Bwengye Lauben Muhangi (5) Kapyata Dennis (9); Kiryowa Stella (27); Lolem Josephine (11); Kisembo Ronex Tendo (6); Luyinda Fred (5); Murangira Ambrose (181); Muwonge Mugwanya Daniel (4).
The elected EALA MPs vowed to address pertinent issues at the regional assembly, including the blockage of Ugandan exports in neighbouring East African Community (EAC) partner states, protect Uganda’s local industries within the partner states, advocate for more use of Kiswahili language in member states to ease trade and communication as well as coordinate structures with the aim of attaining political unity and pushing for a uniform body of applicable laws.
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon Anita Among in her congratulatory speech to the winners urged them to base their work on universality other than being partizan representatives.
“Once we vote the nine members, they cease to be party members, they [instead] become members of Eala coming from Uganda,” she said.
Ugly scenes during the day
Before voting commenced on Thursday afternoon, Bukimbiri county MP, Hon Eddie Kwizera suddenly collapsed and was taken out of the House for treatment.
Around 12 noon in the day, drama ensued at parliamentary chambers when Aringa South MP Hon Alioni Yorke Odria stormed the House with a ballot box of pre-ticked ballot papers and accused some individuals of ballot stuffing and rigging the elections.
He repeatedly shouted: “There is rigging happening here. Vote rigging! Vote rigging. I am ready to die. The ballot boxes have been stuffed.”
A few moments later, he punched a police officer on the neck. The officer walked away from the legislator. With media trailing him, the charged lawmaker then hurriedly walked off to Parliament’s South parking lot where a team was setting up ballot boxes [under a tent] that were to be utilised later for the voting exercise.
“Media should stay here [to observe the situation]. There is rigging taking place,” The MP said before eventually walking away.
Commenting on the ugly incident, Speaker Among condemned Hon. Odria’s behaviour and issued a stern warning to the legislators to regulate their conduct.
“When you start fighting…You are beating a police officer? Assuming he opens a case against you, what happens? It is very unfortunate. I cannot be a leader of hooligans,” Ms Among said, before adding; “You cannot start slapping an innocent police officer. These police officers are on duty and are human beings like us. I won’t tolerate it [unruly behaviour]. It won’t happen,” she added.
The Speaker urged MPs to respect each other and the institution.
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