Balya Beatrice Karungi Declares Candidacy for EALA, Appeals for MP Backing to Champion Economic Integration.
By Okidi Patrick
KAMPALA, UGANDA–Ugandan politician Balya Beatrice Karungi has officially announced her candidacy for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), appealing to the electorate for support as she seeks to represent Uganda at the regional parliament for the 2027–2032 term.
Karungi is positioning her bid on a platform of regional unification and economic prosperity, pledging to champion a “united, economically empowered, and inclusive” East African Community (EAC).
“I am ready to champion a united, economically empowered, and inclusive EAC,” Karungi stated.
She emphasized that achieving this vision requires a strong mandate from the voters — specifically the Members of Parliament who serve as the official electorate for EALA — urging them to entrust her with representing their interests on the regional stage.
Her campaign is anchored on legislative advocacy for youth, women, and cross-border traders, aiming to bridge the gap between local community needs and regional policy formulation, with a focus on cross-border trade, equitable development, and regional cooperation.
How EALA Elections Work:
Under the East African Legislative Assembly Elections Act, 2011, the National Assembly of each Partner State elects nine members to the Assembly.
Crucially, these elections are conducted by secret ballot among Members of Parliament, not by universal adult suffrage. The process is designed to ensure representation of political parties, shades of opinion, gender, and special interest groups, with at least one-third of elected members reflecting either gender.
Uganda maintains a nine-member delegation to EALA, and members serve five-year terms. The current term of the 5th Assembly is scheduled to conclude in December 2027, meaning the election Karungi is eyeing will usher in a new cohort for the 2027–2032 cycle.
The EALA itself consists of 63 elected members (nine from each Partner State) alongside nine ex-officio members, totaling 72 legislators.
The Road to Arusha
Karungi’s entry follows the contentious 2022 EALA elections in Uganda, which saw nine representatives elected after a marathon session in Parliament. The 2022 exercise attracted 28 candidates and was marred by allegations of irregularities from some unsuccessful candidates.
For Karungi, the path to Arusha requires navigating a complex political landscape. The electorate comprises Uganda’s 11th Parliament, where the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) holds a substantial majority. Historically, the NRM has secured the lion’s share of the nine seats, with opposition and independent candidates filling the remaining slots.
Karungi’s appeal for “support and backing” will therefore necessitate a broad-based outreach strategy that transcends traditional party lines to secure the necessary votes in the House.
As she prepares for the campaign trail ahead of the 2027 elections, her message is clear: she is seeking the electorate’s backing to transform the EAC into a more integrated and economically viable community for all its citizens.
Balya Beatrice Karungi Declares Candidacy for EALA 2027-2032.
She is appealing to MPs for backing to champion a united, economically empowered and inclusive EAC.
Focus: Youth, Women & Cross-Border Traders.
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