Over ten aspirants have expressed their interest in contesting for two vacant positions in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), following the resignations of former candidates Denis Namara and James Kakooza.

Namara, now the MP-elect for Buyaga West Constituency, and Kakooza, who has been elected as the MP representing older persons for the Central Region, left the positions open.

Among the contenders are Briton Kiwanuka, who previously ran for the NRM National Chairperson position, Stephen Tiberondwa Bujjingo, who lost the 2026 parliamentary election for Nakasongola Constituency, Robert Kato, the NRM Returning Officer for Kampala and Rubaga, Joselyn Kamatenete, the current MP for Ntungamo District, and Charles Odongotho, the former spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, among others.

Some of the contestants spoke about their primary goals if elected, which include furthering East African integration, advocating for a common currency and market, promoting a shared language, and eliminating barriers among bordering nations.

The election process will conclude on Wednesday, with the deadline for candidates to meet the eligibility requirements. Aspiring candidates must be NRM members, Ugandan citizens aged 18 and above, have completed A-level studies, and pay a non-refundable fee of 2 million UGX.

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