Ex-Minister Godfrey Kiwanda Eyes EALA Seat, Cites Experience

Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, who previously served as the Minister of State for Tourism, has officially declared his candidacy for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). He is seeking endorsement from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.

Kiwanda highlighted his three terms as a Member of Parliament, his ministerial tenure, and his current role in coordinating regional political parties as key qualifications. He asserts that EALA demands experienced leaders capable of effectively shaping regional policy and fostering cooperation within the East African Community (EAC).

“The East African Legislative Assembly is not a place for beginners. It requires experienced leaders who understand legislation, governance, and regional cooperation,” Kiwanda stated. He believes his experience has prepared him to represent Uganda effectively and advance its interests within the EAC.

He emphasized that political integration is a core objective of the EAC, with the ultimate goal of establishing a fully integrated East African Federation. Kiwanda pointed to his current position as Interim Chairperson of a regional platform for political parties as evidence of his commitment to consensus-building and promoting regional unity.

Kiwanda appealed to the NRM’s Central Executive Committee, its Parliamentary Caucus, and fellow Members of Parliament for their support, expressing readiness to serve Uganda with dedication at the regional legislative level.

Kiwanda had previously been associated with the controversial “Miss Curvy Uganda” tourism initiative in 2019, which aimed to promote domestic tourism but faced significant public criticism for objectifying women. The Ministry of Tourism later distanced itself from the pageant’s framing.

After losing his Mityana North parliamentary seat in the 2021 general elections, Kiwanda was replaced as Tourism State Minister by Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.

Source: Nile Post