Incumbents Capt Mike Mukula and Godfrey Kiwanda Ssuubi have withdrawn from NRM CEC races, leaving Calvin Echodu and Karuna Kasolo to celebrate as they are headed for victory.
Mike Mukula has been the vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Kiwanda has been vice chairperson for central Uganda in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Both Mukula and Kiwanda have stepped down from their respective races for candidates. Mukula withdrew in favour of Calvin Echodu while Kiwanda withdrew in favour of Kasolo, the junior minister for microfinance.
Mukula has issued a statement on his decision to withdraw from the race, complaining of an irregular electoral process.
Mike Mukula’s Statement on Withdrawal From The NRM Eastern Region Vice Chairmanship Race
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).
This decision has not been made lightly. I have been privileged to serve our great party and the people of Eastern Uganda with loyalty, dedication, and unwavering commitment. My record speaks for itself in advancing the values of the NRM, mobilizing support, and contributing to the stability and development of our nation.
However, the ongoing campaign process has, regrettably, been grossly compromised. The exercise has been marred by widespread corruption, open voter bribery, and the reckless expenditure of huge sums of money to influence delegates. Such practices undermine the very spirit, values, and historical mission upon which the NRM was founded. They erode the moral fabric of our Movement and threaten to delegitimize our internal democratic processes.
To participate under such circumstances would be to legitimize an illegality and to endorse practices that I fundamentally oppose. I therefore choose principle over expediency, conscience over convenience, and integrity over position.
My withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference. On the contrary, it is an act of conviction and political maturity — a clear stand against the commercialization of politics and the corrosion of our party’s values.
At this critical juncture, I respectfully call upon the Chairman of the NRM, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), and the Party’s Electoral Commission to urgently reflect on these challenges and to institute corrective measures. It is imperative that the NRM reclaims its moral authority by addressing these vices and initiating reforms that will safeguard our internal democracy, restore integrity, and inspire confidence among our members and the wider population.
I remain steadfast in my commitment to the NRM, to the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and to the continued transformation of Eastern Uganda and the nation at large. I will continue to serve the people of Uganda in whichever capacity I can, guided always by the principles of patriotism, integrity, and service above self.
The Pearl Times Decision Desk is keeping an eye on the race between Speaker Anita Among and Rebecca Kadaga. (See Live Updates Here).
We also have updates on the other NRM CEC races and league elections Here.
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