KAMPALA – Support for Dr. Ronex Tendo Kisembo’s bid for the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) seat is swelling from across Uganda’s political and civic spectrum, with the latest endorsements coming from veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the students of Bombo Army Secondary School.
The wave of backing positions the Nakaseke-Luwero “muzzukulu” and Group CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest as a formidable contender for the Arusha-based assembly, where he promises to bring not just political loyalty but a rare linguistic and cultural arsenal.
Emmanuel Akot known as Mr President recently added his voice to the growing list of endorsements, describing Dr. Kisembo as “a brilliant young Ugandan” in remarks that have energized his campaign.
Mr President’s (Akot)backing was quickly followed by a dramatic show of grassroots support: students of Bombo Army Secondary School formally petitioned the President to rally behind Dr. Kisembo.
“We requested His Excellency to support Dr. Tendo because he is the voice of Uganda in EALA,” a student representative told reporters. “His presence will be a big boost for young people and for regional integration.”
In a significant nod from the media and intellectual class, prominent journalist and political commentator Andrew Mwenda also came out publicly to endorse Dr. Kisembo. Mwenda, known for his sharp critique of public figures, praised the EALA hopeful as a practical thinker capable of advancing Uganda’s interests within the East African Community (EAC).
According to insider reports from within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), many senior party leaders view Dr. Kisembo as a loyal cadre who has stood firmly with President Museveni and the party over the years. Beyond loyalty, they point to his concrete work uniting East African nations—not merely through speeches, but through action.
As Group CEO of Afrika Mashariki Fest, Dr. Kisembo has built a platform celebrating East African culture, trade, and integration. Observers note that this background demonstrates his practical engagement with the EAC agenda, moving beyond political rhetoric into tangible cross-border collaboration.
His deep roots in the Central Region—particularly Nakaseke and Luwero—ground him as a “muzzukulu” committed to local service. But it is his pan-African fluency that sets him apart.
“I am fluent in English, Kiswahili, Luganda, Kinyarwanda, and Kirundi, with a working knowledge of French and Lingala,” Dr. Kisembo stated. “In a Community defined by diversity, I believe this is an asset and a strategic advantage.”
Political analysts say that in the multilingual, multi-national EALA chamber, such linguistic breadth could amplify Uganda’s negotiating power and foster cross-border alliances.
With the EALA selection process drawing closer, Dr. Kisembo’s growing coalition—spanning students, journalists, the presidency, and NRM stalwarts—suggests a concerted push to have him seated in Arusha. For his part, the candidate has reiterated his commitment to making the EAC more responsive to ordinary citizens, especially youth and cross-border traders.
“This is not about titles,” Dr. Kisembo said. “It is about delivering a united, prosperous East Africa where no muzzukulu is left behind.”
