MPs pick EALA representatives, FDC loses out

Voting for the nine representatives who will represent the country in the East African Legislative Assembly went on smoothly Tuesday evening at Parliament.

After four hours of listening to the candidates present to them their manifestos, Speaker Rebecca Kadaga adjourned the House to allow the MPs cast their votes.

Nine candidates were voted to represent Uganda at the regional Parliament.

Mukasa Fred Mbidde (DP) polled 311 votes,

Akol Rose Okulu (NRM) 370 ,

Mathias Kasamba (NRM) 359 ,

Mary Mugyenyi (NRM) 341,

Paul Musamali Mwasa (NRM) 350,

Dennis Namara (NRM) 329,

George Steven Odongo (NRM) 346,

Christopher Opoka Okumu (UPC) 279,

Suzan Nakawuki (Independent) 298.

FDC's Florence Ibi Ekwau lost, which means FDC will not have a representative for the second time. In the last term of EALA, FDC boycotted the elections, accusing NRM of taking a lion's share of the slots. 

However, this time around, the party had presented Florence Ekwau, although it later added on Ingrid Turinawe, who had emerged second during their primaries. Turinawe was later withdrawn in a letter signed by party president Gen. Mugisha Muntu, although she opposed the manner in which she was withdrawn. Parliament maintained her in the race, arguing that she had not signed the letter withdrawing her, contrary to the rules of procedure for the EALA elections.