More join EA parliament race

Charles Ebalu K’Obong, a lawyer and a rural development and marketing consultant, says his exposure within East Africa and internationally will be an asset for Uganda at the assembly. “I believe the assembly must promote good governance, champion human rights and democracy, advance the cause of women and other marginalised groups and facilitate socio-economic development and prosperity,” he says. * * * Julius Moto, the deputy chief executive secretary of the Uganda National Farmers Association, says, “I will see to it that I work together with my colleagues from Kenya and Tanzania for continued strengthening of the East African Community that ultimately shall lead towards the formation of the African Union as proposed last month by the Organisation of African Union summit held recently in Lusaka.” * * * Krispus Odongo Ayena, the secretary general for Uganda Law Society, says his decision to contest is based on his commitment in forging co-operation and partnership in addressing issues of common concern to the region. He intends to advocate for the revival of the old institutions and the creation of new ones to address the information, communication, technology and research needs of the region. * * * Maude Mugisha is the coordinator of the Eastern African Subregional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI). For the last 15 years she has focussed on promoting human rights and social justice through civil society organisations. “My mission in the assembly will be to make the community of the East African people more cohesive and caring. I will work to foster a greater sense of community and purpose among the people of East Africa, especially the marginalised groups — the youth, women and peoples with disabilities. I bring to the assembly a wealth of experience and skills in policy analysis and institutional development, and a feminine perspective and approach to development and legislative issues,” she says. Ends