The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has received 43 expressions of interest from party members seeking nomination for just two available seats in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), setting up a highly competitive internal contest that will be decided by the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
The scale of interest means more than 20 aspirants are competing for each slot, underscoring what party officials described as strong enthusiasm within the ruling party for regional legislative representation.
Speaking after the close of the expression of interest exercise, Tanga Odoi, chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, confirmed the figures and said the high turnout reflects internal party strength.
“By the close of the expression of interest, we have 43 NRM stalwarts who have expressed interest to contest for the two slots in the East African Legislative Assembly,” Odoi said. “This is a sign that the party is popular, and members are very enthusiastic about representing the party.”
The original figure stood at 38 applicants before the deadline was extended to 2:00pm following procedural adjustments and communication from the East African Legislative Assembly, allowing five additional aspirants to join the race.
Odoi said the names and CV summaries of all 43 applicants will be forwarded to the party’s Central Executive Committee, which will determine the next steps in the selection process.
He said the CEC will decide whether to shortlist candidates, conduct interviews, or forward all names to the NRM parliamentary caucus for final voting.
“The Central Executive Committee will guide us on the way forward. Whether they pick two candidates, interact with the aspirants, or forward all the names to the caucus for election, we shall follow their guidance,” he said.
The unusually high number of contenders has now placed pressure on the internal selection process, with the CEC expected to play a decisive role in narrowing the field or defining the method of elimination.
EALA slots are among the most sought-after regional positions for Ugandan politicians, offering influence in East African integration, trade policy, legislative harmonisation and regional diplomacy.
The final decision on NRM’s nominees will feed into the broader parliamentary election process in which Uganda selects its representatives to the Arusha-based assembly.
Odoi urged all aspirants to remain patient as they await the CEC’s resolution, noting that the committee’s guidance will determine how the party resolves the contest between 43 contenders and just two available positions.
The outcome is expected to set the tone for one of the most closely watched internal party selection processes ahead of Uganda’s next phase of regional parliamentary representation.
