INTERPARLIAMENTARY SEMINAR ON DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND ELECTORAL INTEGRITY IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

Kampala 4 and 5 December 2025, in collaboration with the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), AEPI organised a Seminar to explore the possibility of reviving the Nanyuki Seminar series that took place for over a decade until 2017. Supported by Irish Aid, the seminar focused on “Safeguarding Democracy and Electoral Integrity in the East African Community: Parliamentary Responses to Emerging Challenges.”

This first in the new series of Nanyuki Seminars successfully revived a critical platform for Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue on strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity within the East African Community. Through insightful presentations and candid discussions, participants reaffirmed that democracy is a continuous process anchored in accountability, civic rights, and inclusive participation. The seminar highlighted persistent challenges such as electoral credibility, shrinking civic space, and weak oversight mechanisms, while also identifying opportunities for reform through harmonised laws, strengthened institutions, and enhanced parliamentary capacity.

“This seminar is very important. We should have more of these engagements.”

EALA Member.

Amb. Mags Gaynor, Irish Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda (right), and AEPI President Brendan Howlin (left) being welcomed to the Ugandan Parliament by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana (centre).

Opening

The Seminar was opened by the Speaker of EALA, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana. After welcoming everyone, he reaffirmed parliament’s central role in legislating, oversight, and accountability. He emphasised that democracy is a continuous process requiring vigilance and cooperation, and expressed appreciation to AEPI for restoring this collaborative platform. He called for candid engagement between the participants to generate actionable resolutions that reinforce democratic governance and the overall EAC integration agenda. “Together, let us commit to building a region where democracy is not only protected but thrives—because when democracy thrives, our people prosper.”

AEPI President, Mr. Brendon Howlin, expressed gratitude for the renewed partnership with EALA. He underscored the importance of safeguarding democracy and ensuring electoral integrity amid emerging challenges, and invited the participants to openly discuss and share their experiences across contexts. “The role of Africa in this debate is critical. With its growing population and increasing economic capacity, it will play an even more important role in world affairs.”

“Preserving democracy, freedom of speech, accountable leadership and working Parliaments is our common goal. There is, of course, no one single model or perfect system of democracy. Our traditions, our history and our lived experiences shape each nation’s approach. But the values are universal.”

Link to speech President Brendan Howlin

A European Perspective on Safeguarding Democracy

Amb. Mags Gaynor, Irish Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda, gave a presentation with a European perspective on safeguarding democracy. She underscored the preciousness of democracy through Ireland’s historical experience, where democracy was hard-worn. The ambassador emphasised that “free and fair elections, coupled with institutions that are effective and accountable, are key building blocks of any thriving and flourishing society. Yet, these elements should not, and cannot, be taken for granted. They require continuous investment, interest and improvement. A free and vibrant civic space and media play an invaluable role in this process.”

Link to speech Amb Mags Geynor

Electoral Integrity, Civic Space & Parliamentary Oversight

Hon. Dora Byamukama delivered a presentation that revolved around three critical pillars of democracy, namely electoral integrity, civic space, and parliamentary oversight, and their interconnected role in sustaining democracy.

Link to Presentation 1 Electoral Integrity

Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight for Transparent and Accountable Governance

In the afternoon, Hon. Dora Byamukama gave a second presentation focused on the critical role of parliamentary oversight in promoting good governance and public trust, emphasising that parliamentary oversight is essential for ensuring responsible use of public resources and maintaining citizen confidence.

Discussions after both presentations were vigorous, honest, reflective and insightful.

Link to Presentation 2: Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight

New Wine in Old Wineskins: Is there Appetite for New Governance Ideas in the EAC?

Presenter Mr. Mwambutsya Ndebesa explored governance challenges and democratic trends in the East African Community (EAC). Using the metaphor of “new wine in old wineskins,” he examined whether existing governance structures can adapt to emerging socio-political realities.

The metaphor of “new wine in old wineskins” was used to illustrate the rigidity of governance structures in EAC. We confront inflexible societal systems, and Africa today faces challenges with post-colonial and post-liberation state structures that have failed to evolve in line with modern governance needs.

Mr. Mwambutsya Ndebesa’s presentation was thought-provoking and challenging, and a lively discussion ensued around the issues he presented. As one EALA Member said: “I’ve not met anybody as radical as Mwambutsya Ndebesa Patt since I joined EALA. We need this. A parliament is also formed to speak out about uncomfortable truths. We need to be pushing the agenda for a united East Africa. When you are the people’s representative, you need to go the extra mile, and this includes discussing uncomfortable truths.”

Link to Presentation 3 New Wine in Old Wineskins

Recommendations and Conclusion

The first recommendation is that EALA and AEPI develop a capacity building programme structured into thematic Nanyuki Series addressing critical regional issues that are within the mandate of the Assembly. Members of National Assemblies, EAC Secretariat, relevant departments and other relevant stakeholders should participate in the seminars.

Other key recommendations emphasised the need for robust oversight, responsible use of technology, and structured engagement with youth and marginalised groups. The seminar underscored EALA’s pivotal role in advocating for governance reforms, promoting transparency, and steering the EAC toward deeper integration grounded in shared democratic values.

“This is one of the most interesting engagements we've ever had. It would be really useful to continue this. We need to remind ourselves that we are a very important institute, we have limited ourselves and need to change that. How can we integrate these things?”

EALA Member

In the media:
https://www.burunditimes.com/eala-aepi-seminar-aims-to-strengthen-democratic-practices-in-africa/

Link to tv film (Swahili)

In his concluding remarks, AEPI President, Brendan Howlin, said, “The restoration of the Nanyuki Seminars has proven to be an invaluable tool to facilitate open and honest dialogue within the East African Community and also to broaden understanding by partners of the specific regional and cultural challenges facing parliamentarians in East Africa. In a global context of great institutional change, having the opportunity for analysis and dialogue among experienced and new parliamentary actors has demonstrated the importance of frank discussion outside the formal structures of parliamentary sessions.”

Speaker Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana then closed the seminar by thanking everyone for their participation and encouraging participants to “carry forward these discussions into our communities and continue fostering democratic values, accountability, and inclusive governance. Remember, safeguarding democracy is a shared responsibility that requires ongoing commitment from all of us.”

For the full report, please click on the link below:
https://aepi-international.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Full-report-of-the-Nanyuki-Seminar-2025.pdf

EALA Inter-Parliamentary Games
Following the seminar, the AEPI delegation joined the first day of the EALA Inter-Parliamentary Games. The games are a product of a Nanyuki seminar held in 2001, which have been held annually in different EALA member states. These 15th games were hosted by the Ugandan parliament. The event is important in fostering regional integration, harmony, unity, cooperation, and interaction beyond formal parliamentary settings.

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