Buhaburwa made the remarks after submitting his nomination papers to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, completing the final requirement to contest for the party flag in the forthcoming EALA by-election.
He said his campaign is anchored on three pillars—strategic security, total economic integration and political federation—which he described as essential for sustainable development across East Africa.
“The only way we can achieve prosperity for Uganda and East Africa is through integration. My campaign is running on three fundamental points: strategic security, political federation and total economic integration,” Buhaburwa said.
The aspirant praised President Museveni for what he described as a long-standing commitment to regional integration, saying he intends to advance that vision through the regional legislature.
Buhaburwa argued that a more integrated East African Community would expand markets, boost cross-border trade, create employment opportunities, and accelerate the transition of citizens from subsistence farming into the money economy.
He also called for stronger regional cooperation in safeguarding natural resources, including oil, minerals and fertile land, through coordinated security arrangements among partner states.
Babu further advocated for harmonised regional policies on shared resources, the adoption of a common currency, and the promotion of African languages in technology, governance and commerce as part of efforts to strengthen the bloc’s competitiveness.
Addressing Members of Parliament who will eventually vote to elect Uganda’s EALA representatives, Buhaburwa expressed confidence in securing support, pledging to represent Uganda’s interests at the regional level.
“I request every Member of Parliament to vote for me, and I assure you that your vote will not be in vain. Together, we shall advance Uganda’s interests and strengthen East African integration,” he said.
The NRM is currently processing internal expressions of interest as it moves to identify candidates who will carry the party flag in the upcoming EALA election, before Parliament conducts the final vote to determine Uganda’s representatives to the Arusha-based assembly.