As the elections for the nine representatives to the East Africa regional body’s Parliament draw near, the candidates are spending most of the time at Parliament trying to solicit their support. There are six candidates from NRM, the ruling party, one from the Forum for the Democratic Change, one from UPC, one from DP and over 30 independents.
Janet Kenyangi Kikwaya (Independent)
Q: What motivated you to contest for the EALA seat?
I have always been involved right from primary three at Margaret Preparatory School up to Senior Six at Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School. I look at politics as way of serving people.
Q: What do think has been lacking in EALA and which value would you intend to add there?
EALA has signed a lot of protocols on peace and security, integration, non-tariff barriers; however, most of the protocols signed are not implemented. I will make sure that all the protocols and policies signed are implemented as well as deepening integration among East African countries through introduction of one identification card, strengthening northern corridor among others.
Q: Why should the MPs entrust such a young girl like you with such a huge responsibility?
I am 80% sure that I will win because I have the potential to address most of the issues facing our country in the East African Parliament. I have also spoken to most of the MPs and they pledged me support.
Q: Who is your biggest challenger in the race?
A: I do not underestimate anybody in politics. Some of them have been there, but I believe that I have the capacity to favourably compete with them.
Q: What is your way forward after the election?
A: If I win, I will go an effectively represent the people who will have elected me, for example I will make sure that I popularize East African Community, it has been there for decades but many people especially in rural areas are unaware of it. If I lose I will try again in years to come. I am still young and I am sure that I have capacity to serve. I believe that those who will have won will also serve people in different ways.
He was born on May 1, 1984 in Kyabakuza sub-county; Lwengo district. He studied at Kabaseegu Primary School, completed Senior Four at BK Memorial Secondary (2001) and later completed Senior Six at Crane High School in 2003. He then went to Makerere University and graduated in 2007 with Bachelors of Education.
Muyanja is married with children.
Muyanja worked at Lweza Clays, was the chairman of Bukoto West Students’ Association at Makerere University and worked at Agatres U-Limited.
He says he will advocate for a policy that allows free movement of goods throughout the East African Community partner states. He says he will also advocate for one language (Kiswahili) that he thinks should be used as medium of communication in East Africa.
“Being from business back ground, I know how language is very critical in business transaction.”
Muyanja says there are loopholes in the East African Community. For instance, the protocols signed are not implemented. He pointed out at the 2004 protocol of common market that intended to allow free movement of products with in East African countries. He says some countries still block goods from entering, yet they are from East African Community member states.
Mary Rutamwebwa Mugyenyi (NRM)
She comes from Rushere sub-county, Kiruhura district. Mugyenyi holds a master’s degree in education from Dalhousie University, Canada. She also holds qualifications in political science and public administration from Makerere University. She studied gender studies at St. Mary’s University Canada (1987) and the International Development Centre, University of Sussex, UK. Career and Positions She is vice-chairperson of the board of the Uganda Management Institute (2015 –todate), vice president the Pan African Parliament (2009-2011), and member of the Pan African Parliament (2006-2011), Member of Parliament representing Nyabushozi county (2001-2011), state minister for Animal industry (2001-2006), lecturer Department of Gender and Women Studies, Makerere University(1991-2000). What she hopes to do at the East African Parliament Mugyenyi says she will work to consolidate the gains made by the East African Community in the areas of customs union, common market and other protocols as well as promoting socio-economic development and security in the region. More profiles coming…
Source: New Vision
