22 Aspirants Pick NRM Expression of Interest Forms for EALA By-Election
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has registered 22 aspirants who have so far picked expression of interest forms to contest for the party flag in the forthcoming by-election for Members of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
The call for expression of interest was issued on March 23, 2026, following the announcement by the Parliament of Uganda of a by-election to fill two vacant EALA positions for the 2022–2027 term.
According to the roadmap released by the Electoral Commission of the NRM, the party is seeking to replace:
Hon. Denis Namara
Hon. James Kakooza
The two were elected to other parliamentary positions, creating vacancies in the regional assembly.
List of Aspirants as of March 24, 2026
The following 22 members had, by close of business on March 24, 2026, picked expression of interest forms:
Kiwanuka Briton
Kamateneti Josyline
Tiberondwa Stephen Bujingo
Kato Robert
Katuramu Hood Kiribedda
Byarugaba James
Akol Vankar
Nyakikongoro Rosemary
Marwaha Katongole Singh Parminder
Kisembo Ronex Tendo
Amal Juliana Obonyo
Agasha Juliet Bashisha
Isaac Mulindwa Ssozi
Kiryowa Stella
Mivule Ronald Musoke
Balya Beatrice Karungi
Ainebyona Thomas
Akampurira Davis
Kyarisiima Israel
Buhaburwa Emmanuel
Sasagah Godfrey Wanzira
Rwandarugali Phiona
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for nomination in the NRM primaries for EALA, aspirants must:
Be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above.
Be registered voters.
Be members of the NRM party.
Have attained at least “A” Level education or its equivalent.
Not be public servants, members of the armed forces, or cultural/traditional leaders.
Aspirants are also required to pay a non-refundable expression of interest fee of UGX 2,000,000 through Centenary Bank Uganda Ltd to the NRM account.
Additionally, eligibility requirements applicable to Members of Parliament under Ugandan law apply.
Nomination and Next Steps
Interested members are required to submit a written expression of interest letter and an updated curriculum vitae to the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road.
Nomination of candidates is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Commission will subsequently announce the date, time, and venue for the internal election to determine the party flag bearers.
Beyond the EALA by-election, the NRM Electoral Commission also indicated it is preparing to conduct residual elections for LC I Chairperson flag bearers and Women Council Committees at village level, with detailed roadmaps to be issued in due course.
The growing list of aspirants signals heightened competition within the ruling party as it seeks to consolidate its representation at the regional legislative assembly.
