KAMPALA, Kololo — Captain Mike Mukula, the long-serving NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, has pulled out of the hotly contested race for the same seat, citing irregularities and what he termed “excessive monetisation” of the electoral process.
Mukula, who has held the influential Central Executive Committee (CEC) position since 2010, made the announcement Tuesday at the NRM National Delegates Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds.
In a dramatic twist, he declared his support for Calvin Echodu, a youthful candidate enjoying strong backing from grassroots delegates. The endorsement sparked applause from the gathering, reinforcing Echodu’s position as a leading contender.
“I cannot proceed in a process where fairness and transparency are compromised,” Mukula told delegates, condemning the level of spending by some candidates. He warned that turning party elections into a contest of wealth rather than ideas threatens the NRM’s democratic values.
He added: “I am confident in endorsing Calvin Echodu. He represents a new generation of leadership that can rally our region, strengthen party structures, and uphold the values of the Movement.”
Mukula’s exit and endorsement now tilt the race in Echodu’s favour ahead of the official vote for NRM Vice Chairperson (Eastern Region), scheduled to take place after the conclusion of the ongoing tallying for the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female).