SOPHIE NAMIREMBE BBAALE is a lawyer and managing partner of NSB Advocates. She also describes herself as a gender activist and an NRM mobiliser.
After seven years of legal practice, she feels she should join elective politics at the regional level. She told Edris Kiggundu why she is willing to put her legal career on hold to serve in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
Why have you decided to join politics?
The bug has always been there. Now I feel it is time for it to come out. I also have friends who are politicians.
Still, you run your own law firm. Why would you abandon it for politics, which some people call a dirty game?
I think I have a desire to serve. It took me time. I first concentrated on my career and I think now is the time to jump into elective politics.
Have you contested for elective politics at the lower level?
No. I have not done local politics.
Why then go EALA and not local politics, for instance?
I look at EALA as something in line with my profession. It deals with interpretation of bills, laws for the good of the East African Community. Basically, the role of a legislator is to make laws.
But before you make them, you are supposed to appreciate and know the law. You must analyse the law. This is something that I do every day. I am reading laws, interpreting them. For me, I think this is the right platform for me because I understand laws.
Some EALA contestants look at it as a platform to get a job and earn money!
Speaking on my own behalf, I just want to serve the people through my party. I am already self-employed and I am making an income. I am a businesswoman; I am a farmer; so, I am not looking at EALA to enrich myself.
Many ordinary Ugandans do not understand the importance of EAC let alone the role of an EALA MP. Why should EALA matter to a common man?
At the end of the day, EALA handles policies and decisions that affect the common man. My role as a legislator is to make sure that any laws or policies made by EALA take into consideration the needs of the ordinary people. Things that will uplift them socially and economically. When I am in EALA, it will not be about me, it will be about the people through my party, the NRM.
Talking about NRM, there appears to be stiff competition for those seeking party endorsement for EALA. How confident are you that you can beat this competition?
I am confident because my capabilities have been tested. I have mobilized for the party in Makindye. I don’t think the party wants to send people who cannot analyze laws. A lawyer is in better position to analyze, interpret and apply the laws.
But representation is not only about analyzing and drafting laws.
Yes, it is about representing people. How are you going to put across a point when you cannot freely express yourself? This is something I do on a daily basis. I represent clients and argue on their behalf. It is a skill I have mastered.
Have you started mobilizing within the NRM?
I am already lobbying and campaigning among the electorate. And there are positive signs that people will support me. The signs are encouraging.
How would you assess the performances of Uganda’s EALA MPs?
To an extent, they have done a good job although there are some areas that they have not handled well.
Which areas?
Like sensitizing people about the integration process. We all know we signed a treaty but it has not been fully implemented. I think partner states need to harmonize their laws in line with the treaty.
What would you consider to be your strengths going into the race?
I think I am good at analyzing issues. I have also successfully run a private practice for seven years. This I think speaks about my management expertise and leadership skills.
What about your weaknesses?
To me I don’t see it as a problem but some people are saying I am too young to contest for EALA [Namirembe says she is in her early 30s]. But President Museveni became president when he was in his early 40s. Age is just a number and I believe I have the intellectual maturity to serve.
Last word.
My appeal is for my party to come behind me, to see me fit to represent the party and our people effectively. I call upon the electorate, the MPs, to vote for me.
ekiggundu@observer.ug