Competition for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) endorsement for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) is intensifying, with at least 38 aspirants expressing interest in representing Uganda at the regional parliament.
Among the contenders is Lauben Bwengye, a politician and academic, who is positioning himself as a strong candidate in the race.
Bwengye holds three Master’s degrees in Public Policy, International Business Law, and Investigative Journalism. His academic background also includes postgraduate diplomas in Administrative Law and Public Relations, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Social Administration.
He has previously held leadership roles, including serving as the first NRM chairperson at Makerere University in 2006. Bwengye has also participated in several elective contests, including bids for the NRM Central Executive Committee (2025), EALA (2022), Member of Parliament for Kazo Constituency (2020), and the 2017 EALA by-election.
His entry into the race adds to an already competitive field, as the NRM seeks to front candidates for the regional assembly.
The upcoming EALA by-election follows vacancies created after former representatives, including Dennis Namara and James Kakooza, transitioned to Uganda’s 12th Parliament.
NRM is currently conducting internal processes to identify its flag bearers, with analysts expecting a closely contested selection process given the number and profile of aspirants.
