EALA: NRM CEC to vet 43 as bribes controversy rages

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) sits Saturday to vet candidates for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).

The chairman of the party’s electoral commission Dr. Tanga Odoi said CEC shall consider the names of 43 candidates that expressed interest in the six positions allocated to the party  and recommend successful candidates to the caucus for election Tuesday next week.

Dr. Odoi however expressed disappointment with a section of Members of Parliament for asking for bribes from candidates seeking to represent the party in the East African legislative assembly.

This after the 43 candidates complained to Odoi that some members of parliament were demanding money in form of cash and others in form of transport refund and refreshments from the candidates before meeting them.

Odoi says such solicitation shall not be allowed warning that any MP found asking for money from the candidates and any candidate found giving out money while campaigning will be punished.

Tanga further assured the candidates that the voting exercise by the party caucus scheduled for Monday next week shall be free and fair and free from manipulation.

Among the candidates is minister of state for economic monitoring in the office of the president Henry Banyenzaki, Sarah Kagingo, James Tweheyo, the national secretary for Uganda National Teachers Union.

President Yoweri Museveni chairs CEC.

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editor@independent.co.ug