KAMPALA – June 29, 2026
A wave of optimism is sweeping through East African integration circles as Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo formally enters the race for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), with supporters hailing him as the visionary leader the region needs to realize its long-awaited political federation.
On Monday, Dr. Kisembo became the first candidate to pick nomination forms from the Parliament of Uganda for the EALA by-election and also the first to express interest this afternoon at the NRM electoral commission located at plot 13,kyadondo road immediately after Dr Tanga Odoi chairperson NRM electoral commission called for expression of interest for the EALA by election.His candidacy has quickly galvanized a coalition of friends, colleagues, and Pan-Africanists who argue that his nearly two decades of experience in fostering regional unity make him the most competent choice for the Assembly.
"East African integration is built by conviction, not popularity," stated Ivan Mwijukye, one of Kisembo's supporters. "If a man has dedicated his life to advancing the EAC agenda, why should celebrity outweigh merit? Let's reward commitment, experience, and vision, not campaign hype" .
Another supporter, Wenseslius Mpirirwe, echoed the sentiment, declaring, "We are choosing the most competent representative at EALA. Dr Tendo Is the right candidate. let's go."
Tonny Geoffrey Owana also urged Ugandans to pressure their MPs to support Kisembo, saying, "Like me, you may be among millions who don't elect EALA MPs but tell your MP to ensure that Dr Tendo is elected MP to EALA because that fellow is the best
Kisembo's campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the East African Community, as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni assumes the EAC chairmanship and renews calls for expediting the establishment of the East African Political Federation . Supporters believe Kisembo's Pan-African vision aligns perfectly with the President's agenda.
Godfrey Omuyombo, one of Kisembo's advocates, stated, "One step at a time, we’re very ready, determined and confident. Ready to take on EALA with a new ideology, strategy and conviction."
The candidate's bid is also framed within a broader historical context—the "Century of Afrika." With the continent possessing the youngest population globally and projections showing it will double to 2.5 billion people by 2050, integration advocates argue that East Africa must organize itself politically and economically to become the engine of Africa's renaissance.
Proponents point to Kisembo's extensive track record, which includes volunteering at the EAC Secretariat in 2007, founding the youth-focused Afrika Mashariki Fest, organizing regional peace runs, and promoting Kiswahili across the continent . They argue that Uganda needs representatives in Arusha who understand the region not from briefings but from lived experience .
"Kisembo embodies the spirit of that clause in practice, not theory," wrote journalist Gyagenda Semakula Zikusooka Ssajjabbi in a recent commentary. "His continental footprint is not cosmetic. It is lived. He understands the delicate interplay between national interest and regional ambition" .
Dr Kisembo said that his decision to be the first to pick nomination and expression of interest is a clear testament for his readiness to waiting endorsement to go to Arusha to support president Museveni to revitalize the EAC momentum
The EALA by-election was initially scheduled for August,04,2026 but Dr. Kisembo's early nomination signals his determination to secure a seat and champion the integration agenda in Arusha.
