Martin Ngoga elected to Eala

Former Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga was, yesterday, elected a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) by both chambers of Parliament.

Monday, March 16, 2015
An electoral agent collects votes at Parliament yesterday. (John Mbanda)

Former Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga was, yesterday, elected a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (Eala) by both chambers of Parliament.

Martin Ngoga speaks to media at parliament.

Ngoga garnered 83 out of the 89 votes cast while his challenger, Jennifer Wibabara, got only six votes.

Both Ngoga and Wibabara were fronted by the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) for legislators to choose who to send to Eala to replace MP Abdul Karim Harelimana, who resigned from the regional House last month.

Martin Ngonga shake hands with the speaker of parliament Donatille Mukabalisa after being elected

Ngoga will join eight other Rwandans in Eala. The others include; Christophe Bazivamo, Patricia Hajabakiga, Dr James Ndahiro, Straton Ndikuryayo, Valerie Nyirahabineza, Dr Odette Nyiramirimo, Pierre Celestin Rwigema, and Celestin Kabahizi.

Members of parliament listen to Martin Ngoga’s remarks after he was elected.

Speaking after his election, Ngoga thanked the legislators for voting him and promised to promote Rwanda’s and regional interests under the framework of  the East African Community.

"I will execute my duties diligently,” he said in his acceptance speech before Parliament.

Ngoga also commended the RPF-Inkotanyi for giving him the opportunity to represent Rwanda.

An electoral agent counts votes at Parliament.

The Speaker of Parliament, Donatile Mukabalisa, congratulated Ngoga, noting that the legislators believed in his ability to represent the country well.

Harelimana, last month, told The New Times that his resignation was "a normal course of action.”

Martin Ngonga speaks to parliamentarians after he was elected to Eala.

A Cabinet meeting would later appoint him as a member of the Rwandan Elders Advisory Forum, which advises the government on different national issues.

The Third Assembly of Eala, which Ngoga has joined, will complete its mandate in 2017.