Juma Witonze has appealed to Members of Parliament to entrust him with the responsibility of representing Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), citing his strong credentials, experience, and commitment to regional integration.
Uganda is one of the eight member states of the East African Community (EAC), alongside Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Somalia, and South Sudan. The regional bloc, currently chaired by President Museveni, provides a framework for cooperation on key development and integration priorities.
These partner states deliberate on shared interests through the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), where each country is represented by nine legislators, making a total of 72 members. The Assembly sits in Arusha, Tanzania.
The Parliament of Uganda is set to conduct by-elections on April 15, 2026, to fill two EALA vacancies left by Dennis Namara and James Kakooza Mutagubya following their election to Uganda’s national Parliament in January 2026. Juma Witonze is among the candidates vying for the positions.
Background
Witonze hails from Mirambi Village in Kifampa Sub-county, Gomba District. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomatic Studies from Makerere University, where he conducted research on international trade, regional integration, and bilateral trade within East Africa.
He also earned a Master’s degree in International Relations and Political Economy from Durham University, focusing on mercantilism theory. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community-Based Rehabilitation from Kyambogo University.
In 2024, Witonze was recognized as a global development champion for his contributions to community and development initiatives.
He has actively engaged in community service in Gomba District, supporting vulnerable populations and promoting youth development through talent nurturing. He also previously served as Vice Chairperson of the Gomba Ssaza Football Team.
Political Experience
Witonze has demonstrated a strong interest in politics, particularly in advocating for peace and development. He currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Gomba District and as coordinator of the PLU structure in Greater Mpigi.
During the 2026 general elections, he played a key role in mobilizing support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the Greater Mpigi region.
Beyond domestic politics, Witonze has been active in advocating for the rights of Ugandans abroad and promoting international market access for Ugandan products. He is also a strong proponent of strengthening regional ties among East African countries.
Vision for EALA
Witonze says he is well-prepared and possesses the expertise required to represent Uganda effectively at EALA.
“I am fully prepared, experienced, and ready to raise Uganda’s flag high at EALA. I am committed to advancing President Museveni’s vision of East African integration, especially at a time when many leaders in the region have yet to fully embrace this agenda,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of grassroots awareness of regional integration.
“If elected, I will ensure that people at the grassroots in areas like Gomba, Masaka, and Kaberamaido understand the concept of East African integration and how they can benefit from it,” he added.
Witonze has therefore urged Members of Parliament to support his candidacy, pledging to effectively represent Uganda and contribute to the advancement of regional integration within the EAC.
The nomination of candidates for the two EALA seats is scheduled for March 30 and 31, 2026.
In the 2022 EALA elections, 28 candidates competed for nine positions. For the 2026 by-elections, aspirants have already begun picking nomination forms as of March 25, 2026, with several candidates—including those affiliated with the NRM—expressing interest.
