Parliament Suspends EALA By-Election Nominations Amid Legal Row Over Seat Vacancies

Uganda’s Parliament has halted nominations for two East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) seats after legal concerns emerged that Dennis Namara and James Kakooza still hold their positions until sworn into the 12th Parliament in May 2026. 

Uganda’s bid to replace two representatives in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has hit a legal roadblock, with Parliament abruptly suspending the nomination process just days before it was set to begin.

In a formal notice issued on March 28, 2026, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige Kasaija announced that nominations — originally scheduled for March 30 and 31 — have been placed on hold “until further notice.” The move effectively pauses a process that was expected to lead to a parliamentary vote on April 15.

The controversy centres on whether the seats previously occupied by Dennis Namara and James Kakooza are truly vacant. Both men were recently elected to Uganda’s 12th Parliament, but opposition leaders and legal experts argue that, under the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, an EALA member only vacates their regional seat upon being officially sworn into the national parliament.

Since the swearing-in of the new Ugandan Parliament is not expected until May 2026, critics — including Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi — maintain that Namara and Kakooza remain legitimate EALA members for now. Proceeding with by-elections prematurely could see Uganda temporarily exceed its allocated nine seats in the regional assembly, potentially triggering a constitutional standoff or a case before the East African Court of Justice.

During a recent House sitting, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka acknowledged the confusion, admitting there may have been a misinterpretation of the law. He indicated that further consultations with EAC officials in Arusha would be necessary before any steps forward.

The suspension has disrupted preparations across the political divide. Several aspirants, particularly within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), had already expressed interest and collected forms, while a 20-member verification committee chaired by Herbert Ariko now finds itself on standby.

This latest development highlights the delicate challenge of aligning Uganda’s domestic political calendar with its regional commitments under the EAC Treaty. Clarity from legal experts and EAC authorities in Arusha will now determine the way forward for Uganda’s representation in the East African Legislative Assembly.