NRM Reopens EALA Seat Applications Citing March Process Flaws

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has reopened the application window for its members wishing to represent the party in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). This decision comes after the earlier process conducted in March was deemed flawed by the Commission.

Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, informed journalists that the new application round is necessary because Parliament recently declared two vacancies for Uganda’s EALA representatives. These positions became available after Members of Parliament Denis Namara and James Kakooza resigned from EALA following their election to the 12th Parliament.

“The fresh expression of interest supersedes the exercise conducted in March 2026, requiring all interested aspirants to submit new applications,” stated Dr. Odoi. He acknowledged that the initial exercise, which saw 38 individuals apply, was conducted too hastily, necessitating a repeat to ensure fairness and due process.

Aspiring candidates who paid the Shs2 million non-refundable fee in March are exempt from paying again. New applicants must submit their payments to the party’s Centenary Bank account and present new written expressions of interest along with updated curriculum vitae (CVs) to the Chairperson at the NRM headquarters in Kampala. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, July 1, 2026, before midday.

Strict eligibility criteria apply: applicants must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 or above, registered voters, registered NRM members, and possess a minimum of an A-Level certificate or its equivalent. Excluded from applying are public servants, members of the armed forces, cultural leaders, and currently serving Members of Parliament in the 12th Parliament.

Following the expression of interest period, the NRM Electoral Commission will forward all applications to the NRM Central Executive Committee for thorough vetting. Recommendations will then be presented to the Parliamentary Caucus for the ultimate election of the party’s flag bearers. The Commission will subsequently announce the date, venue, and time for these internal elections. The NRM Electoral Commission also set July 10, 2026, for party primaries to fill vacant LC1 Chairperson and Women Council Committee positions at the village level, with endorsements running from July 11 to 14.

For more details, refer to the Daily Monitor article: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nrm-reopens-expression-of-interest-for-eala-seats-5512774