Arach rallies parliament to vote UPC candidate in EALA elections

By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,

NATIONAL

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat has asked members of the 11th parliament to vote UPC candidate, Fred Ebil for EALA elections come September.

“We request all members of the 11th parliament from all political shades to support and vote for the UPC candidate,” said Arach

On Tuesday (August 2), the UPC top leadership executive led  by President General Jimmy Akena, Gender and Labour Minister Betty Amongi,  and the party’s Electoral Commission Chairman Hajji Muhamood Kazimbiraine led in a vetting and election exercise to choose the party flagbearer for the forthcoming  East African Legislative Assembly elections.

Eight candidates had vied for the UPC flag in the EALA election. They are Former Kole County MP , also UPC Secretary General  Fred Ebil , Former Lira Woman JOY Atim Ongom, Isaac Ojok, Calvin Ogwang, Silver Oluka, Ediau Samuel, Atim Brendah Kinyera and Andrew Omait.

However, by the close of business,the party had voted one candidate subjected to a general election by parliament.

Of the 10 votes cast, Fred Ebil merged the winner after he got 5 votes, followed by Joy Atim Ongom with 03, Isaac Ojok 02, with the rest scoring nil.

Arach now rallies the contestants in the election to lobby through the electorate (parliament) to rally their support behind Hon. Ebil during campaigns so that he can ably represent Uganda to the Arusha based parliament.

She says that the UPC candidate has a vast understanding of the East African Community affairs basically political federation, climate change and economic integration.

Nine legislators are required to represent Uganda to the Assembly and out of nine (9), the ruling NRM is supposed to be represented by 6 MPs, opposition 2, and Independents 1.

Ebil joins DP’s Dr. Gerald Siranda, Harold Kaijja(FDC), Hon. Mohamed Katerega (JEEMA) while other opposition parties like NUP opted to abstain.

Among the independent candidates who have expressed interests in this seat is local journalist Julius Buchana. EALA elections for the 2022/27 term are slated for September 20.