NRM Opens Race for EALA Flag Bearers

Kampala– The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has opened the process for expression of interest and picking nomination forms for party flag bearers seeking election as Members of Parliament to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for the 2022–2027 term.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi said the exercise began on Monday, March 23, 2026, and will run until Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 5:00pm.

Dr Odoi said interested party members are required to submit a written expression of interest letter and an updated Curriculum Vitae addressed to the chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road.

“The interested members shall deliver a written Expression of Interest Letter and updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) to the Chairperson, NRM Electoral Commission at Plot 13, Kyadondo Road starting today Monday 23rd March, 2026 to Wednesday 25th March, 2026 at 5:00pm,” he said.

The April elections are intended to fill vacancies left by Hon Denis Namara and Hon James Kakooza, who were in January elected to Uganda’s 12th Parliament.

According to the roadmap released by the commission, nomination of candidates will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Dr Odoi outlined the qualifications for those seeking to contest in the NRM primaries for the EALA positions. He said a candidate must be a Ugandan citizen aged 18 years and above, a member of the NRM party, and must have attained at least Advanced Level education or its equivalent.

Other requirements are that the aspirant must not be a public servant, must not be a member of the armed forces including the army, police or prison services, and must be a registered voter in the National Electoral Commission voters register. Cultural and traditional leaders are also barred from contesting.

Candidates are also required to pay a non-refundable expression of interest fee of Shillings 2 million through Centenary Bank Uganda Ltd to the NRM account at Lugogo.

On voting eligibility, the commission said all NRM members of the 11th Parliament will be eligible to vote in the primaries.

The announcement sets the stage for a fresh internal party contest as the ruling party moves to fill its vacant slots in the regional assembly.