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Politics 27 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda

Uganda Parliament Approves 20-Member Committee for EALA By-Election

Parliament Speaker Anita Among has set up a 20-member verification committee, led by Soroti East MP Herbert Ariko, to vet candidates for the upcoming East African Legislative Assembly by-election on April 15, 2026. The move addresses vacancies created by the election of MPs James Kakooza and Denis Namara to Uganda's 12th Parliament, amid debates on the timing before their official swearing-in. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4317/house-approves-verification-committee-ahead-eala-election

Uganda’s Parliament has greenlit a 20-member verification committee to handle the forthcoming East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) by-election. Chaired by Soroti East Division MP Herbert Ariko (NRM), the committee was approved during a House session on March 26, 2026, following Rule 8 of Appendix C in the parliamentary rules.

The panel’s role involves reviewing candidate documents, vetting nominees, and confirming compliance with the East African Community Treaty requirements. Speaker Anita Among announced the step after receiving notice from EALA about two vacant Ugandan seats, triggered by Hon. James Kakooza and Hon. Denis Namara’s election to the national 12th Parliament. Per Article 51(3)(c) of the EAC Treaty, EALA members must vacate their positions upon national assembly election or nomination.

Among confirmed the by-election date as April 15, 2026, with nominations set for March 30-31. However, concerns arose from MPs like Patrick Nsamba Oshabe (NUP) and Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned proceeding before Kakooza and Namara’s May swearing-in, citing potential legal risks such as court challenges.

Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka acknowledged possible misinterpretation of election processes as ongoing until completion, promising consultations with EALA in Arusha. Speaker Among maintained that only a counter-letter from EALA or court order could halt proceedings.

Committee Members:

  1. Hon. Herbert Edmund Ariko (Chairperson)
  2. Hon. Gyaviira Ssemwanga
  3. Hon. Martin Mapenduzi Ojara
  4. Hon. Lucy Akello
  5. Hon. Asuman Basalirwa
  6. Hon. Abdu Katuntu
  7. Hon. Irene Linda
  8. Hon. Anna Ebaju Adeke
  9. Hon. Sarah Najjuma
  10. Hon. Suzan Jolly Abeja
  11. Hon. Julius Bua Acon
  12. Hon. Lillian Obiale Paparu
  13. Hon. Charles Ayume
  14. Hon. Emelly Kugonza
  15. Hon. Asinansi Nakato
  16. Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe
  17. Hon. Mariam Naigaga
  18. Hon. Frederick Angura
  19. Hon. Amos Kankunda
  20. Hon. James Ruugi Kaberuka

Source: Parliament of Uganda