FDC EALA race row deepens

FDC's Igrid Turinawe insists she is still in the EALA race even after her party wrote to Parliament withdrawing her candidature.
  
FDC now remains with Ibi Ekwauin the race.

In a letter dated February 22 to the Clerk to Parliament, Jane Kibirige, FDC party president Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu wrote: "Please refer to our letter Ref. FDC 1.42/POU/01/1/17 date February 7,   2017 regarding FDC nominated candidates for EALA. This is to notify you that as a party, we are withdrawing candidate Kamateneti Ingrid Turinawe and retaining one candidate Ekwau Ibi Florence effective the date of this letter."

However, shortly after the communication was acknowledged by Parliament, Turinawe went on social and blasted Muntu for the decision.

"I am in the race; the author of that letter has no authority to withdraw me. Waiting for my copy to reply," she said on her twitter handle.

No reason was given for FDC's change of mind. 

Representation to the parliament must reflect all shades of opinions and interest groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities.

While being a woman boosted Turinawe's chances in the race dominated by men, insiders say the odds are heavily stacked against her because of her no-holds-barred approach to politics. 

NRM takes its reserved six slots based on numerical strength while the three are left for the opposition and independent representatives. 

Previously, FDC enjoyed the privilege of sending representatives to EALA because of being the biggest opposition party with substantial numbers in Parliament.

However, the rules were changed after a the East African Court of Justice in Arusha ruled that the manner in which Uganda carried out its elections was in in breach of Article 50 of the East African Treaty, which offers all groups a chance to seek representation.

Parliament's Communications director, Chris Obore, confirmed FDC had requested to remove Ingrid from the race.

He said Article 50 of the of the East African Treaty and Appendix B of Parliament of Uganda rules of procedure are the guiding principles all parties are aware of this.