It was a game of numbers. Despite being the biggest opposition political party in Uganda, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has failed to capture a seat on the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA).
This follows yesterday’s elections, where the National Resistance Movement (NRM), which has the biggest number of MPs in the 10th Parliament, overwhelmingly voted against the FDC candidate Florence Ibi Ekwau, denying her a chance to represent Uganda at EALA. This is the second time in a row that the opposition party is failing to get an EALA seat, courtesy of the ruling NRM.
During the EALA elections earlier yesterday there was drama as the NRM MPs denigrated opposition strongwoman Ingrid Turinawe, who contested as an Independent, even denying her a chance to address the house. She however, managed to get 25 votes, most believed to have been cast by opposition members in Parliament.
Ms Turinawe recently made headlines when she lashed out at FDC President Major General John Gregory Mugisha Muntu, who had written to the Clerk to Parliament Jane Kibirige, withdrawing her party candidature. At the time Ms Turinawe, who is the FDC Secretary for Mobilisation, said party president Gen. Muntu had ‘no authority’ to stop her from contesting for an EALA seat, a position that was buttressed by Kibirige’s response to Gen. Muntu’s letter.
Meanwhile, following yesterday’s elections, former Internal Affairs Minister Rose Akol of the NRM led the pack with 370 votes, followed by Mathias Kasamba (NRM) with 359 votes. Other NRM winners were Paul Musamali (NRM) 350; George Odong (NRM) 346; Mary Mugyenyi (NRM) 341 and Dennis Namara (NRM) with 329 votes.
Others are: Democratic Party Vice President Fred Mukasa Mbidde with 311 votes; Susan Nakawuki (Independent) with 298 votes and Chris Okumu Opoka with 274 votes.
