NUP calls the EALA elections 'a ritual', withdraws candidates

The decision was announced by NUP’s Mathias Mpuuga, who is also the Leader Of Opposition in Parliament (LOP).

“For some reason without a formula, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) believes that it is entitled to six members at EALA, and that entitlement is eternal. As if the six are ordained and that others should look at them in admiration,” Mpuuga said.

He cited the ruling National Resistance Movement’s nomination of representatives of other political parties as the reason for NUP’s boycotting the elections.

“Across EAC, Uganda is the only country where the ruling party believes they can have their own members and also choose for other parties; NUP is not going to be part of this ritual, it is going to be part of an election where the rules of the games are respected, where a multi-party dispensation is upheld,” sa Mpuuga.

However, Speaker Anita Among said the election will be guided by the EAC treaty.

“It is not a ritual – the voters of EALA are in this House, we will follow the law – we are going to elect as per the EAC treaty,” said Among.

The Speaker asked party whips to provide Parliament with the list of their candidates nominated for EALA. Thereupon, these candidates will be vetted by a select committee of Parliament, which comprises members from all parties in parliament.

The tenure of the current EALA members ends on 17 December 2022. The EALA election process begins on September 19, 2022, with nominations.