Kampala, Uganda: NRM delegates have tipped Speaker Anita Annet Among and Soroti City West aspirant David Calvin Echodu for a landslide victory in today’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections, with projections pointing to a 90% win for both candidates.
Among is challenging her political rival; former speaker Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga Alitwala for the post of National Vice Chairperson (Women), while Echodu is contesting for NRM Vice Chairperson, Eastern Region.
Delegates who underwent accreditation at Nakawa and Kololo on Tuesday told DailyExpress that their mission is clear — to deliver a sweeping victory for the duo.
John Julius Okaki, a councillor from Akisim Sub-county in Pallisa, said their choice is based on a record of delivery. “I am not from Bukedea or Soroti, but the developments the two have done in Teso should be extended across the country. They are leaders in the noontime of their lives who can drive the party forward,” he said.
Bukedea NRM Chairperson Isaac Epilo described Among as the “engine” NRM needs. “We need leaders like Hon. Anita who sacrifice sleep for NRM and President Museveni. This is what will strengthen the party in the face of opposition,” Epilo said.
Butebo District NRM Vice Chairperson Christopher Onono said his decision is settled. “I have settled my mind on Hon. Among and Mr. Echodu. I don’t need any more convincing,” Onono stated.
Ambassador Nelson Ocheger, heading Echodu’s campaign coordination committee, cautioned against early celebrations but expressed confidence.
“It’s not done until results are declared, but Echodu is a man of trust. He speaks only what he can deliver, and he will bring fresh ideas to close the gaps in the party,” Ocheger said.
Some delegates accused incumbent Eastern Region Vice Chairperson Capt. Mike Mukula of frustrating party mobilisers, creating space for Echodu’s rise. Opedun Ambrose Ochom, a former FDC mobiliser, said he joined NRM under Among’s mobilisation.
“During the 2021 campaigns, Rt. Hon. Anita led us into NRM with 320 supporters who were received by President Museveni in Kumi. But Mukula let us down. That gave Echodu the opening,” he said.
Henry Opolot of Bukedea added that they still expect solutions from the new leaders. “We now want Echodu’s office to handle our issues. I am certain of his success and believe he can address the frustrations of many who crossed to NRM but were abandoned,” Opolot said.
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