The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has intensified efforts in eastern Uganda, rallying Members of Parliament-elect from Bugisu, Bukedi, Teso, and Sebei to support Fred Bangumiya RwakaiZi in the forthcoming East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) by-election.
During a coordination meeting at Hotel Africana, PLU National Chairman Michael Nuwagira, also known as Toyota, tasked the MP-elects to mobilize support among fellow legislators and consolidating political backing for RwakaiZi’s bid.
Mr.Nuwagira described RwakaiZi as a capable and experienced leader suited to represent Uganda at the regional level, emphasizing the strategic importance of the by-election for PLU.
“We want to have representation in the East African Parliament. That is why we are supporting Fred. He is hardworking and will not disappoint,” Nuwagira said.
He further pledged to work closely with the MP-elects across their constituencies, offering support for activities aimed at strengthening the campaign.
“My profession is mobilization. If I come to your constituency, something will change,” he added.
Nuwagira urged unity among the legislators, stressing that the success of the bid depends on collective effort.
“If he fails, we shall all fail. So we must work together and support him,” he emphasized.
The meeting also served as an endorsement platform, with the MP-elects formally backing RwakaiZi and expressing readiness to rally support across eastern Uganda.
RwakaiZi welcomed the endorsement, saying the engagement with MP-elects was aimed at building a strong support base and aligning campaign strategies ahead of the vote.
“This meeting is an engagement between the supporters and the candidate. I am engaging my supporters from the Eastern region… to lay strategies for support,” he said.
He noted that the campaign is focusing on members of the 12th Parliament, who will take part in the election process.
“There was some confusion… whether the voters are from the 11th or 12th Parliament. But as things are unfolding, it is the 12th Parliament that will vote. So we are here to engage them and drum up support,” he explained.
RwakaiZi added that his bid is rooted in strengthening regional cooperation, particularly in security and development across East Africa.
“We cannot say Uganda is secure when South Sudan is not secure… strategic security is very important in our region,” he said.
Background
The mobilization comes amid preparations for a by-election to fill vacant EALA seats. The vacancies arose after former representatives Denis Namara and James Kakooza Mutagubya were elected to Uganda’s Parliament in the 2026 general elections, making them ineligible to serve in both legislatures.
Uganda’s Parliament has since scheduled a by-election process to fill the slots, with MPs playing a central role in electing new representatives to serve the remainder of the current EALA term, which runs until December 2027.
Under the EALA framework, members are elected by national parliaments and are expected to reflect political diversity and regional balance.
