Politics
Parliament approves two NRM candidates for EALA seats
Oboth ruled that since Uganda had only two vacant EALA positions and only two candidates had been nominated and duly seconded without opposition, there was no need to conduct a secret ballot.
Presenting the committee's report during the House sitting on Thursday (July 16), chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, the verification committee chairperson Dicksons Kateshumbwa said only Stella Kiryowa and Fred Rwakaizi Bangumya (Both Pictured) submitted nomination papers by the July 10 deadline. (Courtesy Photo)
By: John Odyek, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Parliament has endorsed two National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates to fill Uganda's vacant seats in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) after adopting the report of the Parliamentary Verification Committee.
The vacancies arose after former EALA representatives James Kakooza and Dennis Namara were elected to Uganda's 12th Parliament.
Presenting the committee's report during the House sitting on Thursday (July 16), chaired by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, the verification committee chairperson Dicksons Kateshumbwa said only Stella Kiryowa and Fred Rwakaizi Bangumya submitted nomination papers by the July 10 deadline.
Kateshumbwa said the committee established that both candidates fulfilled the qualifications under Article 80 of the Constitution and Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
Speaker Oboth directed the candidates to introduce themselves and address the House before members considered their endorsement.
In her remarks, Kiryowa said she had grown up in the corridors of Parliament and was now ready to contribute to shaping the future of the more than 300 million people of the East African Community.
Speaker Oboth directed the candidates to introduce themselves and address the House before members considered their endorsement.
In her remarks, Kiryowa said she had grown up in the corridors of Parliament and was now ready to contribute to shaping the future of the more than 300 million people of the East African Community.
"It is no longer a question of whether East Africa can unite. The question before us today is: what kind of East Africa are we leaving for the next generation?" she said.
Bangumya said Uganda occupies a strategic position in advancing the four pillars of the East African Community. He pledged to promote cross-border trade and support the development of sustainable regional infrastructure.
Oboth ruled that since Uganda had only two vacant EALA positions and only two candidates had been nominated and duly seconded without opposition, there was no need to conduct a secret ballot.
Kiryowa and Bangumya will join Uganda's seven current representatives at the Arusha-based assembly: Rose Akol Okullu, Paul Mwasa Musamali, George Stephen Odongo, Mary Mugyenyi, Gerald Blacks Siranda, Jacquiline Amongin and Veronica Babirye Kadogo.
Paul Mwiru (Jinja South Division East, NUP) Chief Opposition Whip said the support extended by the Opposition to the NRM candidates should be reciprocated in future processes where the Opposition has an interest.
Bangumya said Uganda occupies a strategic position in advancing the four pillars of the East African Community. He pledged to promote cross-border trade and support the development of sustainable regional infrastructure.
Oboth ruled that since Uganda had only two vacant EALA positions and only two candidates had been nominated and duly seconded without opposition, there was no need to conduct a secret ballot.
Kiryowa and Bangumya will join Uganda's seven current representatives at the Arusha-based assembly: Rose Akol Okullu, Paul Mwasa Musamali, George Stephen Odongo, Mary Mugyenyi, Gerald Blacks Siranda, Jacquiline Amongin and Veronica Babirye Kadogo.
Paul Mwiru (Jinja South Division East, NUP) Chief Opposition Whip said the support extended by the Opposition to the NRM candidates should be reciprocated in future processes where the Opposition has an interest.