Kisembo Banks on Two Decades of Integration Work for EALA Seat

Ronex Kisembo, a candidate for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), is positioning his campaign on a foundation of almost two decades dedicated to fostering East African integration. He asserts that his extensive background, spanning youth engagement, sports diplomacy, cultural exchanges, strategic communication, and advocacy, has equipped him with the necessary experience to represent Uganda in the regional legislative body.

Kisembo’s commitment to regional unity began around 2007 with volunteer work at the East African Community Secretariat in Arusha. Since then, he has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at bringing East Africans closer, including regional peace campaigns, the promotion of Kiswahili, and cross-border sporting events.

He founded Afrika Mashariki Fest, a youth-centric program that utilizes sports, arts, culture, and dialogue to build a shared East African identity. Through this initiative, Kisembo organized regional marathons, cultural festivals, and leadership dialogues, notably the Afrika Mashariki Fest Marathon (2015-2016) and a dialogue and awards gala in 2016 celebrating the EAC’s pioneers.

His contribution to regional peace includes organizing the Bujumbura Peace Run in 2017 following political unrest in Burundi, and later expanding these efforts through the East African Community Cycle Tour and Pedal for Peace Series. Kisembo also successfully advocated for the East African Community flag to be displayed during the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, symbolizing regional solidarity.

Furthermore, Kisembo has been a vocal advocate for Kiswahili, representing Uganda at an international conference and organizing a national conference to boost its role in the region. He has also championed tourism through initiatives like the Twende Zetu Butiama Pilgrimage Safari, promoting cultural links and shared heritage.

Kisembo’s engagement extends to observing AU and EAC Heads of State summits since 2014, broadening his understanding of regional policy. His professional background in strategic communications includes supporting Uganda’s Ministry of Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and contributing to the National Resistance Movement’s branding and communication efforts. He also initiated the UPDF Tarehe Sita Marathon to strengthen civil-military relations.

This is not Kisembo’s first bid for EALA; he contested in 2022, aiming to translate his advocacy into policy-making. If elected, he pledges to focus on eliminating non-tariff barriers, enhancing security cooperation, promoting Kiswahili, increasing youth participation, and advocating for the free movement of people, goods, and services across the East African Community.

Source: Nile Post