By Opio Bobson | Kampala, July 1, 2026
With just over a month to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) by-election slated for August 4, 2026, all eyes are fixed on Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo—a candidate who is rapidly consolidating his position as the frontrunner in what analysts describe as a high-stakes race for Uganda's slot in the Arusha-based regional parliament.
Yesterday , Dr. Kisembo made a strategic play that underlined his growing political gravitas, revealing that he had the "rare privilege of drinking from two cups of wisdom" of Uganda's Attorneys General—past and present.
In a candid interaction with journalists and campaign aides, the EALA aspirant namedropped with purpose, confirming closed-door engagements with Dr. Sam Mayanja, the current Attorney General of Uganda and former State Minister for Lands, and Hon. Fredrick Ruhindi, MP for Nakawa Division East and Attorney General Emeritus.
"These are men who have shaped Uganda's legal and diplomatic footprint. To sit with them is to understand the weight of regional diplomacy," Kisembo said, adding that their counsel had sharpened his resolve to push for a more aggressive EAC integration agenda.
But Dr. Kisembo did not stop at the legal fraternity. In a sweeping show of cross-governmental appeal, he extended salutes to Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka (now Defence Minister), Rt. Hon. Oboth Oboth (Speaker of the 12th Parliament), and Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga (Minister for East African Community Affairs), praising their "great coordination" during previous Heads of State Summits in Arusha.
"That kind of synergy is what I intend to take to the EALA floor—not noise, not grandstanding, but results-driven diplomacy," he declared.
In a clear nod to the ruling establishment, Kisembo framed his candidacy within President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's ongoing KisanjaHakunaKulala (No More Sleep) development philosophy. With Museveni currently serving as Chair of the East African Community (EAC) Summit, Kisembo positioned himself as the ideal foot soldier to champion the Chairman's revitalisation agenda.
"We cannot afford to sleep while our neighbours accelerate trade, infrastructure, and monetary union. H.E. Museveni has given us the chairmanship—now we need legislators in Arusha who will not just attend sessions but drive resolutions that put Ugandan businesses and workers first," he asserted.
Perhaps the most quotable moment of the afternoon came when Kisembo, borrowing from his earlier social media missives, declared: "Eagles don't take flight lessons from chicken. Always choose your circles wisely."
He challenged his competitors to match his depth of engagement with regional power structures, insisting that EALA is not a training ground but a theatre for seasoned performers.
However, in a moment of raw political candour that raised eyebrows, Kisembo added: "Remember, performance doesn't get you promoted—visibility does. If the right people don't know your name, your hard work means nothing."
While the line drew mixed reactions—some praising its pragmatism, others cautioning against cynicism—Kisembo quickly pivoted to substance, promising to release a 3-point EAC policy blueprint within the next 48 hours, covering:
1. Cross-border infrastructure corridors to ease trade bottlenecks.
2. A single tourist visa framework to boost regional tourism receipts.
3. Enhanced dispute resolution mechanisms for business and labour disputes across partner states.
Political commentator and governance expert, Dr. Alice Nambalirwa, noted that Kisembo's strategy is textbook for an insider candidate.
"He is doing what every serious contender must do—locking down endorsements from the high table while projecting a pan-East African vision. His challenge will be to translate that elite access into grassroots votes among the Ugandan MPs who will elect him. They want to know: What's in it for my constituency?"
With the August 4 ballot fast approaching—and with Kisembo already branding himself as the candidate of continuity, competence, and connectivity—the race for Arusha is shaping up to be less of a contest and more of a coronation.
But as Kisembo himself warns: "Nature always looks after those she has destined to change destinies."
Whether that destiny awaits in the EALA chambers or beyond, one thing is certain—Dr. Tendo Ronex Kisembo has ensured that by July 2026, his name is not just known, but impossible to ignore.
