Kololo, Kampala: Capt. Mike Mukula, the long-serving NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, has dramatically withdrawn from the race for the same CEC slot, citing electoral irregularities and excessive spending by rival candidates.
Mukula, who has held the influential party position since 2010, announced his withdrawal on Tuesday during the ongoing NRM National Delegates Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds.
In a stunning twist, Mukula turned things around and threw his weight behind Calvin Echodu, a youthful contender who has enjoyed strong grassroots backing and was already projected to sweep the race by a landslide.
“After careful reflection, sober consideration, and with a clear conscience, I have taken the difficult but principled decision to withdraw my candidature for the position of National Vice Chairman (Eastern Region), National Resistance Movement (NRM),” Mukula declared.
“I cannot in good conscience continue in this race when the very principles of transparency and fairness that our party stands for are being undermined,” he added, triggering a loud applause from delegates at Kololo.
The former Soroti MP decried the growing monetisation of internal contests, saying: “What we are witnessing is the commercialisation of politics at levels that are unhealthy for the NRM and for our democracy. We must not mortgage the future of our party to those who have the deepest pockets.”
Turning to his chosen successor, Mukula added: “I have no hesitation in endorsing Calvin Echodu. He represents the new generation of leaders who can unite our region, respect party structures, and carry forward the values of the NRM.”
Echodu’s endorsement by Mukula now positions him as the frontrunner in a contest that has attracted heightened attention across the Eastern region and within the broader NRM establishment.
The voting for the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern region will get underway shortly after the tallying of results for the 2nd National Vice Chairperson (Female) is done.
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