Parliament has endorsed two National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates to fill Uganda’s vacant positions in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), following the adoption of a report by the Parliamentary Verification Committee.
The vacancies arose after former EALA representatives James Kakooza and Dennis Namara were elected to the 12th Parliament, creating two openings for Uganda’s delegation to the regional assembly.
Presenting the report during a plenary sitting on Thursday, July 16, 2026, chaired by Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth, the committee chairperson Dicksons Kateshumbwa said only two candidates—Stella Kiryowa and Fred Rwakaizi Bangumya—submitted nomination papers by the July 10 deadline.
Kateshumbwa told the House that the committee had vetted the candidates and found them compliant with the legal requirements under Article 80 of the Constitution and Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Speaker directed the candidates to introduce themselves and address Members of Parliament before a decision was taken, although the process was largely procedural given the absence of contestation.
In her submission, Kiryowa described her candidacy as a culmination of years of experience within the parliamentary environment, noting that she was ready to contribute to shaping the region’s future.
“It is no longer a question of whether East Africa can unite. The question before us is what kind of East Africa we are leaving for the next generation,” she said.
Bangumya, on his part, highlighted Uganda’s strategic position within the East African Community and pledged to promote regional integration through trade and infrastructure development.
He said his focus would be on strengthening cross-border trade and supporting sustainable regional projects that enhance economic cooperation among member states.
Speaker Oboth guided that since the number of candidates matched the available positions and both had been duly seconded, there was no need for a secret ballot, paving the way for their endorsement.
The two will join Uganda’s current delegation of seven representatives at the Arusha-based assembly, bringing the country’s full representation at EALA.
Uganda’s existing representatives include Rose Akol Okullu, Paul Mwasa Musamali, George Stephen Odongo, Mary Mugyenyi, Gerald Blacks Siranda, Jacquiline Amongin and Veronica Babirye Kadogo.
