NRM aspirants outline regional integration plans for East African legislative assembly seats

24 March 2026, 7:46 pm

By Richard Musaazi

Several members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have picked nomination forms to contest for two positions in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the legislative arm of the East African Community.

This follows the exit of some representatives who recently returned and won parliamentary seats in the Parliament of Uganda, including James Kakooza, who now represents older persons in Buganda, and Denis Namara, elected as MP for Buyaga West.

Among those expressing interest is James Byarugaba, who cited his extensive leadership experience, including over a decade working with the United Nations. He also highlighted his academic credentials, noting that his PhD equips him with the capacity to effectively represent Uganda at the regional level.

Byarugaba said that if elected, he will champion stronger trade integration among member states and promote the establishment of a proposed “East African Central Bank” to enhance economic growth across the region, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, and South Sudan. He also emphasized the need for a joint regional army to strengthen security and stability, as well as better utilization of shared resources such as the Indian Ocean for the benefit of all partner states.

Another aspirant, Haji Katuramu Hudu Kiribaedda, a former Member of Parliament and former Vice Chairperson of the EALA committee on foreign affairs, also picked nomination forms. He said his leadership experience positions him to effectively serve in the Assembly, pledging to promote regional trade and deeper integration within the bloc.

The aspirants collectively emphasized their commitment to strengthening the East African Community through policies aimed at boosting trade, improving security, and enhancing cooperation among member states.