ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia– Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Secretary General Richard Todwong and Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Secretary General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro have been elected Vice Chairpersons of the Council of African Political Parties (CAPP), representing the East African region.

The election took place during the ongoing African political parties summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together political leaders and representatives from across the continent to strengthen cooperation, promote regional integration and advance Africa’s development agenda.

Todwong announced his election, describing the appointment as a great honour and a responsibility that extends beyond the interests of individual political organisations and national boundaries.

He said the responsibilities of political parties must be understood within the broader context of Africa’s collective aspirations for unity, peace and prosperity.

“It is a reminder that whatever we do within our respective political organisations goes beyond our national borders. The continent is watching, and our actions must reflect our shared aspirations for a united, peaceful and prosperous Africa,” Todwong said.

Todwong said he was particularly honoured to serve alongside Migiro, whom he referred to as his elder sister, in representing East Africa within the continental political organisation.

The appointment places the two ruling-party officials in a regional leadership position within CAPP, providing an opportunity to represent East African political parties in discussions on continental cooperation and political engagement.

The development comes against the backdrop of the Second African Political Parties Summit, which is taking place from November 5 to 7 under the theme “Governing for Growth: Political Parties as Architects of Africa’s Economic Future.”

The summit has brought together political leaders, government officials and representatives of governing and opposition parties to discuss how political organisations can contribute to economic transformation, democratic governance and regional integration.

For Uganda, Todwong’s election gives the NRM Secretary General a continental platform through which to participate in discussions on Africa’s political and economic future.