Up to NRM 37 politicians were nominated for two EALA MP seats in an exercise conducted by Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement, the chairperson of the party’s Electoral Commission Dr Tanga Odoi has confirmed.
Parliament of Uganda has set April 15, 2026, as the date for the by-election to elect two MPs to regional parliament East African Legislative Assembly (Eala). The two will fill positions left vacant by Dennis Namara and James Kakooza Mutagubya.
Namara and Kakooza were elected to Uganda’s 12th Parliament in January 2026. Kakooza will represent the older persons of central Uganda (Buganda) while Namara will represent Buyaga West.
On March 17, Eala Speaker the Joseph Ntakirutimana wrote to speaker of Uganda’s parliament Anita Annet Among informing her of the need to replace Kakooza and Namara.
“In accordance with Article 51(3) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community and Sections 8 and 9 of the East African Legislative Assembly Elections Act, 2012, I hereby notify you as follows,” wrote Ntakirutimana.
“That the election of Dennis Namara and Kakooza James Mutagubya to the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda has created vacancies in the membership of the East African Legislative Assembly. That the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda is required to conduct a by-election within 90 days to elect eligible persons to serve the remaining term of the Hon Dennis Namara and the Hon Kakooza James Mutagubya, which expires in December 2027.”
Kakooza and Namara belonged to the NRM. Other NRM MPs in Eala are: Rose Akol, George Odongo, Paul Musamali, and Mary Mugyenyi.
The NRM recently commenced a process to hold a primary election for the selection of individuals to fill the vacant slots.
After closure of the nomination exercise by the NRM EC, Tanga Odoi said the list will be forwarded to the secretary general, Richard Todwong, who will present it to the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) that will vet the nominees. The NRM parliamentary caucus will then choose its flagbearers.
Parliament will nominate candidates for these two position on March 30 and March 31, 2026, at the Parliamentary Conference Hall. MPs of the 11th parliament will vote on April 15, 2026.
Successful candidates will serve as EALA MPs until December 2027 and are eligible for re-election.
According to Tanga Odoi while 39 people had expressed interest in the two Eala MP seats, 37 were duly nominated.
Dr Tanga Odoi says some members of the current 11th Parliament in Uganda chose to resign their seats to meet the requirements set by the NRM EC. The Pearl Times understands that such MPs are those who had lost their seats in the Ugandan 12th parliament.
Those who were nominated include: Singh Parminda Katongole, a Former NRM deputy treasurer, outgoing Sheema North MP Rosemary Nyakikongoro, and former Ntungamo District Woman MP Joseline Kamateneti.
Others include journalist Charles Odongtho, Briton Kiwanuka, Robert Kato, Steven Bugingo, Juma Witonze, Bangumya Rwakaizi, Israel Kyarisiima, and Ronex Kisembo.
Some of the nominees lost NRM primaries and 2026 parliamentary elections. See names of MPs who lost elections in January 2026 Here and There.
Meanwhile, President Museveni is expected to release a new list of cabinet ministers in coming weeks. See former ministers likely to return to cabinet, who is likely to become vice president, and how the current cabinet looks like Here, There and Over There.
