As the elections to fill the vacant seat at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) draws near some 26 candidates from the ruling party-the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have expressed interest to contest for the position .
Political pundits have attributed the high number of contestants to the urgent desire by many political actors to draw President Yoweri Musveni’s attention for their individual selfish interests . ” Many of these ‘contestants’ have staked their Ug.shs.2M well knowing they will not be elected but at least they have a chance of receiving a call from the president to assure them about a possible political appointment. It is absurd that many Ugandans both young and old see politics as a money generating venture or employment ,” a seasoned national political observer stated .
The list forwarded to the NRM Party Central Executive Committee (CEC) by the NRM’s Electoral Commission Chairman , Dr. Tanga Odoi includes names of veteran politicians such as Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, Sarah Nkonge Muwonge,, Amongin Jacquiline, James Kakooza and Godfrey Kiwanda.
Among the leading youthful contenders is Ambrose Mulangira , Stella Kiryowa , Faridah Mayanja among others . Each of the contestant paid a non refundable fee of Uganda Shs. 2 M to fill the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) seat that fell vacant after the death of Mathias Kasamba.
