The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has reopened the process for party members seeking to contest for the party flag in the forthcoming by-election to fill Uganda’s vacant seats in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Addressing journalists on Monday, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi said the exercise follows Parliament’s declaration of two vacancies after former EALA legislators Denis Namara and James Kakooza transitioned to the 12th Parliament.
Dr. Odoi announced that all interested candidates, including the 38 aspirants who had applied during the previous exercise in March 2026, are required to submit fresh expressions of interest.
However, he clarified that those who had already paid the Shs2 million expression of interest fee during the earlier process will not be required to pay again. New applicants, on the other hand, must pay the non-refundable fee.
He outlined the eligibility criteria, stating that aspiring candidates must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 years and above, registered members of the NRM with proof of membership, holders of at least an Advanced Level certificate or its equivalent, and registered voters.
Candidates must also not be serving as public officers, members of the armed forces, cultural or traditional leaders, or members of the 12th Parliament.
According to the Commission, expressions of interest, accompanied by updated curriculum vitae, will be received at the NRM Electoral Commission offices on Plot 13 Kyadondo Road between June 29 and July 1, 2026, with submissions closing at midday on the final day.
After the application period, the names of all aspiring candidates will be forwarded to the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) for consideration before the party’s Parliamentary Caucus elects the official flag bearers for the EALA by-election.
Dr. Odoi also announced that the party is preparing to conduct residual NRM primary elections to fill vacant LC I Chairperson flag bearer positions and Women Council committee positions.
He said the primaries are scheduled for July 10, ahead of the Electoral Commission’s nomination exercise set for July 15 to 19.
He commended NRM members for what he described as impressive performances in the recent Kikuube District LC V Chairperson and Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-elections, saying the victories demonstrated the party’s continued strength and support at the grassroots.
