By Eastafricaobserver | Kampala | Monday, May 4, 2026
KAMPALA — Juma Witonze, an East African Legislative Assembly contestant backed by the Patriotic League of Uganda, intensified his campaigns Monday, spending the entire day at Parliament’s Conference Hall rallying newly elected MPs for support.
Witonze, who also serves as the Vice Chairperson NRM for Gomba District, used the gathering to engage legislators as they picked invitation cards and guidelines for their swearing-in slated for next week. The oath-taking is scheduled to run from Tuesday, May 12 to Thursday, May 14, 2026.
The PLU-backed EALA hopeful was seen interacting with dozens of MPs-elect, shaking hands and holding brief talks as they received documents from the Office of the Clerk. Many of the legislators hailed Witonze for being humble and social.
Several MPs-elect were seen posing for photos with him and assuring him of their full support ahead of the EALA race.
“Witonze has always stood with us. His humility and approachability make him different,” said one MP-elect who requested not to be named. “We shall support him for EALA.”
Another legislator from Central Uganda added: “He listens. In politics, that matters.”
EALA RACE HEATS UP
Witonze is seeking one of Uganda’s nine slots in the regional assembly. With the 12th Parliament set to elect Uganda’s EALA representatives later this year, contestants are courting the 529 MPs-elect who form the electoral college.
His dual role as a senior NRM leader in Gomba and PLU-backed EALA aspirant has positioned him as a bridge between party structures and the new generation of MPs. The MPs-elect have been asked to come with only three guests for the swearing-in due to space and security protocols.
Witonze declined to speak to the press, saying he was at Parliament “to congratulate the people’s representatives.”
NEXT: After swearing-in, Parliament will elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker before handling EALA nominations and elections as part of its first order of business.