EALA Aspirant Challenges Nomination Rejection, Cites Flawed NRM Approval

Abdallah Mugerwa, who seeks to represent Uganda in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), has lodged a formal petition with the Speaker of Parliament. Mugerwa asserts that the Clerk to Parliament wrongfully refused to accept his nomination documents, thereby denying him a fair chance to compete.

In his petition dated July 23, Mugerwa argues that this administrative action not only barred him from a lawful electoral process but also infringed upon the constitutional and treaty-derived rights of Members of Parliament to elect Uganda’s representatives to the regional body.

Mugerwa contends that the Clerk overstepped their authority by excluding a qualified candidate, undermining the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity essential for EALA elections. He further criticizes the recent endorsement of two National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates, Stella Kiryowa and Fred Rwakaizi Bangumya, without a parliamentary vote.

He points to Article 50 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, which mandates that EALA representatives be elected democratically from nominated candidates. Mugerwa referenced a 2012 East African Court of Justice ruling emphasizing the need for Ugandan EALA elections to adhere to Article 50 and reflect parliamentary diversity.

Mugerwa is calling for Parliament to nullify the Clerk’s decision on his nomination and to review the approval of the NRM candidates. He seeks a transparent electoral process that aligns with the Constitution, parliamentary rules, the EAC Treaty, and established legal precedents, ensuring all qualified nominees have an equal opportunity.

Should Parliament fail to address his concerns, Mugerwa warns he will pursue legal recourse, including approaching the East African Court of Justice, for alleged violations of the treaty and the rule of law.

Source: Nile Post