EALA MP BY-ELECTIONS: NRM Starts Process to Choose Flagbearers

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has started on a process to choose flagbearers for the EALA MP by-elections. The party’s Electoral Commission has issued a call for expression of interest and picking of nomination forms for the position of NRM flagbearers for Members of Parliament for the East African Legislative Assembly for the 2022-2027 term of office.

To be held in April 2026, the elections are meant to fill seats left behind by MPs who were elected to Uganda’s 12^th parliament in January 2026’s parliamentary polls.

Denis Namara and James Kakooza won seats in Uganda’s parliament and will not be returning to the regional parliament based in Arusha, Tanzania.

Denis Namara is the MP-elect for Buyaga West Constituency in Kagadi District while James Kakooza is the MP-elect for Older Persons representing Central Uganda.

NRM Electoral Commission (EC) Chairman Dr Tanga Odoi has called on interested members to deliver a written Expression of Interest Letter and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Chairperson, NRM Electoral Commission at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road starting Monday March 23, 2026 to Wednesday 25th March, 2026 at 5pm.

“Following the release of a Programme by Parliament announcing a by-election for Two (2) Members of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), and in line with Rule 10 of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus Rules of Procedure, the NRM Electoral Commission hereby calls for Expression of Interest and Picking of Nomination Forms for the position of NRM Flagbearer for Member of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly for the 2022 — 2027 term of Office,” read a call for expression of interest released by the NRM EC.

Candidates will be nominated on Wednesday March 25, 2026 starting at 9:00am and ending at 5:00pm.

Dr Tanga Odoi listed the requirements one must fulfil to be eligible to contest in NRM Primaries for Member of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly:  be a Ugandan Citizen aged 18 and above, be a Member of the NRM Party, and have at least ‘A’ level education or its equivalent.

One must also not be a public servant, must not be a member of the armed forces (the Army, Police and Prison Services), must be a Registered Voter in the National Electoral Commission Voters Register, and must not be a cultural or traditional leader.

Each interested candidate must also pay a non-refundable expression of interest fee of Shs2m in the bank.

NRM MPs will vote for the two EALA MPs. “The NRM Electoral Commission shall appoint a date, time and place for election of the Candidates,” added Tanga Odoi.

See list of other EALA MPs, as well as Ankole MPs who who lost elections Here and There.