EALA aspirant petitions Speaker over rejected nomination papers
In a petition dated August 5, 2026, Abdallii Hamtono Mugerwa protests what he terms the “unlawful and procedurally irregular conduct” of the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Kasaija Mwesige, in refusing to receive his nomination papers for the EALA elections.
Mugerwa 9Pictured) has has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, over the rejection of his nomination papers.
KAMPALA - An aspirant for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, over the rejection of his nomination papers.
In a petition dated August 5, 2026, Abdallii Hamtono Mugerwa protests what he terms the “unlawful and procedurally irregular conduct” of the Clerk to Parliament, Adolf Kasaija Mwesige, in refusing to receive his nomination papers for the EALA elections.
He argues that the decision denied him an opportunity to participate in the electoral process and deprived Members of Parliament of the opportunity to freely choose Uganda’s representatives to the regional assembly.
Mugerwa contends that the alleged actions undermine the principles of fairness, transparency, equal opportunity and democratic participation expected in EALA elections.
He also challenges the approval of two NRM candidates, whose names he did not mention, without a formal vote of Parliament, arguing that such a process does not meet the requirements of Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
Article 50 provides for the election of representatives to EALA by the National Assembly from among persons nominated by political parties represented in Parliament, special interest groups and other stakeholders in accordance with democratic principles.
He states that the court ruled that Uganda’s procedures for electing EALA representatives must comply with Article 50 of the EAC Treaty and provide for a genuine democratic election that reflects the political diversity of Parliament.
According to Mugerwa, the court also directed Parliament to amend its Rules of Procedure to ensure compliance with the Treaty.
He argues that the decision underscores the need for EALA elections to be conducted through a transparent and competitive process rather than through what he describes as predetermined or administrative selection.
“The Clerk of Parliament has no authority to exclude a qualified nominee except as expressly provided by law,” Mugerwa states.
He further argues that the Clerk’s decision to reject his nomination papers amounted to administrative interference in an electoral process that falls under the mandate of Parliament.
Mugerwa also questions the decision to approve the two NRM candidates without a vote, saying an election necessarily requires MPs to exercise their mandate through voting.
What Mugerwa wants
Mugerwa wants the Speaker to declare the Clerk’s decision to refuse to receive his nomination papers null and void.
He also wants Parliament to review and set aside the approval of the two NRM candidates without a formal vote of Parliament.
Mugerwa further wants a lawful EALA election to be conducted in accordance with Article 50 of the EAC Treaty, the Constitution of Uganda and Parliament’s Rules of Procedure, so that qualified nominees are given equal opportunity to participate in the exercise.
Mugerwa warns that if the alleged irregularities are not addressed, he will seek redress before the competent courts and the East African Court of Justice.
“My intention is to ensure that EALA election upholds constitutionalism, democratic governance and Uganda’s obligations under the Treaty establishing the East African Community,” he contends.