NRM concludes vetting of aspirants for vacant EALA seats

2 July 2026, 9:43 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has concluded a two-day exercise to vet aspirants seeking the party’s endorsement for Uganda’s vacant positions in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The exercise, held at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Kyadondo Road in Kampala, attracted 43 aspirants. Their names and curriculum vitae will now be forwarded to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), which will select two candidates to represent the NRM in the election to fill the vacant seats for the remainder of the current term ending in 2027.

The vacancies arose after former EALA representatives were elected to the Parliament of Uganda.

Among those who expressed interest is Fred Kashaija. Another aspirant, Buhaburwa Emmanuel Babu, said he intends to promote regional integration and advance the interests of both Uganda and the NRM if given the opportunity to serve in EALA.

Babu said his priorities would include strengthening security across the East African region, expanding markets for Ugandan products, and supporting efforts to bring more Ugandans into the money economy.

“As NRM, we believe in President Museveni. We are his disciples. My role in EALA will be to promote the ideals of East Africa. My priorities will be security for Africa, creating bigger markets for our country, and ensuring more people join the money economy. Uganda also needs better regional connectivity and access to international markets,” he said.

Speaking to journalists, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi thanked party members for showing interest in the positions, saying the large number of applicants demonstrates the party’s strength.

He said the party had received applications from 43 members, up from the initially expected 38, adding that all names and CVs will be presented to CEC on Friday for consideration.

Odoi urged the aspirants to remain patient and await the party’s final decision on the candidates who will carry the NRM flag for the EALA elections.