Kampala, Uganda – As the 12th Parliament begins its term, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) aspirant Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo has extended a hearty congratulations to all newly sworn-in Members of Parliament while formally requesting their support for his bid to represent Uganda in the regional assembly.
In a message addressed to the lawmakers, Dr. Kisembo praised the MPs for the challenging journey they endured to enter the August House and expressed gratitude to God for making their election possible.
"I want to congratulate all the MPs of the 12th Parliament for the journey they went through to Parliament," Dr. Kisembo said. "I want to thank God for making you arrive in Parliament, and I have hope in you that you will make good legislation."
Beyond his congratulatory remarks, Dr. Kisembo made a direct appeal to the legislators, asking them to support his candidacy for the EALA MP seat. He positioned himself as what he called "the real choice for Uganda" in the upcoming election for the country's nine representative slots in the Arusha-based legislative assembly.
Without mincing words, the aspirant called on MPs to set aside partisan interests when considering candidates for the regional body.
"Work for Uganda without party or segregation"
In a key message directed at the 12th Parliament, Dr. Kisembo urged lawmakers to prioritize national interest above political party affiliations and sectarian considerations.
He asked the MPs to work for Uganda "without party or segregation" — a call that resonates amid ongoing discussions about the role of party loyalty versus national service in parliamentary decisions, particularly in the election of EALA representatives, which is conducted by the national parliament.
Uganda is entitled to nine representatives in the East African Legislative Assembly, the legislative organ of the East African Community. These MPs are elected by the national Parliament from names forwarded by interested candidates and political parties.
Dr. Kisembo's pitch to the 12th Parliament comes at a critical moment, as the new MPs settle into their roles and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, as well as other political parties, begin internal processes to identify and support candidates for various leadership positions, including EALA.
While Dr. Kisembo is among several aspirants eyeing Uganda's EALA slots, his emphasis on non-partisan, non-segregationist representation seeks to distinguish him from candidates who may rely strictly on party machinery. His message implies that once in Arusha, an EALA legislator must serve all Ugandans regardless of political affiliation — a posture he believes makes him the most suitable choice.
The election of Uganda's EALA representatives is expected to take place once Parliament fully constitutes its relevant committees and the ruling party finalizes its vetting and nomination processes. Dr. Kisembo's appeal suggests he intends to engage MPs across the political aisle, not merely those from his own political formation.
As the 12th Parliament convenes, Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo has placed his name and vision before the country's lawmakers — leaving them to decide whether he is, as he claims, "the real choice for Uganda."
