KAMPALA, UGANDA: Ugandan Businessman and politician, Tiberondwa Stephen Bujingo, has pledged to champion the establishment of a common East African identity card, work permit, and market system to boost cross-border trade and opportunities for the East African Community (EAC).
Bugingo, who recently carried the NRM flag in Nakasongola County parliamentary elections, revealed this on Wednesday shortly after getting duly nominated to contest for the ruling party flag bearer position in the upcoming East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) by-election.
A renowned businessman and trade expert, Bujingo outlined an ambitious regional integration agenda, arguing that East Africa must move beyond cooperation and embrace full unity to unlock its economic potential.
At the centre of his agenda is the creation of a common East African identity card and work permit to ease movement and employment across partner states.
“We need to stop operating as separate entities and move towards full integration. A common identity card and work permit will allow East Africans to move, work, and settle freely across the region,” Bujingo said.
He noted that the current system, where citizens require different permits for each country, limits opportunities, particularly for young people seeking employment beyond national borders. “We don’t need multiple work permits for Uganda, Kenya, or Rwanda. A single East African permit would open up opportunities and reduce unemployment,” he added.
Expanding Markets, Common Currency
Drawing from his background in business, Bujingo emphasized the need for a unified regional market to address challenges in marketing Ugandan products. “The biggest challenge we face is accessing markets for our produce. A common market platform across East Africa will create opportunities for businesses and farmers,” he said.
He further advocated for the fast-tracking of a common East African currency to ease cross-border trade. “Traders lose value through constant currency exchange. A common currency would eliminate this barrier and strengthen regional trade,” he said.
In addition, Bugingo called for the establishment of a regional standards body to harmonise certification processes. “Once goods are certified in one East African country, they should be accepted across the region without undergoing repeated checks. This will reduce costs and delays for businesses,” he noted.
Bujingo said his focus, if elected, will be to build on existing efforts while prioritising practical solutions that directly impact citizens. “We shall focus on key areas like free movement and economic integration, supporting the progress already made while addressing the gaps that still exist,” he said.
When are EALA Elections?
The Parliament of Uganda has scheduled March 30 and 31 for nominations for the EALA by-election, with voting set for April 15. The two vacant positions arose after Denis Namara and James Kakooza Mutagubya were elected to the 12th Parliament of Uganda.
Members of EALA are indirectly elected by national parliaments of partner states, with each country sending nine representatives to serve five-year terms, reflecting political diversity, gender balance, and special interest groups.
However, Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has historically dominated the country’s representation due to its parliamentary majority.
In the current assembly, out of the nine representatives from Uganda, NRM boasts of six representatives, including Rose Akol, Denis Namara (outgoing), James Kakooza (outgoing), Stephen George Odongo, Paul Musamali, and Mary Mugyenyi, alongside two independent members, Jacqueline Amongin and Veronica Babirye Kadogo, and DP’s Gerald Siranda.
As of Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission chairperson, Tanga Odoi, confirmed that 37 aspirants had successfully completed the nomination process for the two vacant East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) seats in Uganda. The race attracted nearly 40 candidates expressing interest in carrying the ruling party’s flag in the April 15 elections in Arusha, Tanzania.
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