NRM calls for expression of interest for EALA seats

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The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has opened its internal process for selecting candidates to contest Uganda’s vacant seats in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), calling on interested members to submit expressions of interest.

According to the NRM, the expression of interest process started on March 23, 2026, and will end on Wednesday with the commencement of nominations. The entire process will be concluded with elections on Friday (March 27) by the NRM Parliamentary Caucus.

The development follows a directive by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among to political parties, particularly the NRM, to expedite their internal processes ahead of the forthcoming by-election.

Speaking to journalists at the NRM head office in Kampala on Monday (March 23), the party’s electoral commission chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, said the two EALA positions fell vacant after former representatives Denis Namara and James Kakooza Mutagubya were elected to Uganda’s 12th Parliament in January 2026, creating a constitutional requirement for Parliament to fill the slots within 90 days.

"We are therefore required by the law to field candidates to fill the vacancies, " Odoi said.

In response, the NRM, which commands the majority in Parliament, has issued a call for expression of interest to identify suitable flag bearers for the regional assembly.

According to information published on the party’s official platforms, the exercise is part of the party’s structured roadmap to front candidates for the EALA by-election.

Roadmap set

Parliament has already outlined the election programme, with nomination of candidates scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026, and voting by Members of Parliament set for April 15, 2026.

Candidates seeking election to EALA must be nominated by their respective political parties and supported by at least five MPs. They are also required to pay a nomination fee of sh3 million and present credentials demonstrating their suitability to advance the objectives of the East African Community.

The elected representatives will serve the remainder of the current EALA term, which runs until December 2027.

Competitive race expected

With the NRM holding the numerical strength in Parliament, its internal selection process is expected to be decisive in determining who ultimately represents Uganda at the regional assembly.

Observers say the call for expression of interest has already triggered heightened political activity, with aspirants expected to lobby MPs ahead of the internal vetting and eventual parliamentary vote.

EALA serves as the legislative arm of the East African Community, playing a critical role in regional integration, trade, and policy harmonisation among partner states.

The by-election is therefore seen as crucial in ensuring Uganda maintains full representation in the regional parliament.