The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) is constitutionally mandated to provide and exercise political leadership in the country, formulate policies for consideration by the National Executive Council (NEC), supervise the day-to-day conduct of the party’s activities, propagate NRM policies, implement decisions of the National Conference and NEC, and ensure that all organs of the NRM function properly to implement party policies and decisions. However, in Eastern Uganda, these crucial responsibilities have long been neglected under Captain Mike Mukula’s leadership.
For years, Mukula’s tenure as CEC Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda has been marked by weak supervision and an absence of political leadership that resonates with ordinary people. As a member of the CEC, his role is to ensure the effective implementation of decisions across party structures in Busoga, Bukedi, Bugisu, Sebei, Teso, and Karamoja. Yet the reality on the ground tells a story of abandonment, disconnection, and political decline.
In Busoga, for the first time in decades, President Museveni lost the subregion during the 2021 elections. Opposition candidate Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi secured victory there, signalling that the NRM’s grip had slipped under Mukula’s watch. In Teso, FDC retained parliamentary seats, while NUP made significant gains in Mbale City, where President Museveni obtained just 45.91% in some divisions. Even in Sebei, though still favouring the ruling party, youth voices are demanding a leader who listens and delivers beyond mere campaign slogans.
The CEC is constitutionally mandated to supervise the daily activities of the party and ensure that all organs function effectively. However, in Eastern Uganda, district and sub-county branches remain disconnected from the top leadership. Mobilisers lack programs to implement. Youth have no coordinated empowerment initiatives, and women’s groups are left without the strategic guidance that the CEC is required to provide. The NRM Constitution is clear: the CEC must formulate policy, appoint organisational functionaries, and implement decisions of the NEC and National Conference to drive development and unity. Under Mukula, these duties have been reduced to ceremonial functions devoid of meaningful impact.
Furthermore, the CEC is tasked with propagating NRM policies and ensuring their implementation at all levels. Yet the Eastern region has experienced a leadership vacuum, enabling opposition parties to fill the void. The rise of NUP in, Busoga, Bugisu and Mbale City, and the retention of FDC MPs in Teso, reflect a leadership that has failed to defend and promote party ideals among voters. Mukula has presided over this decline, watching as the NRM’s traditional base fractures due to neglect and unfulfilled promises.
Calvin Echodu represents the transformational leadership Eastern Uganda urgently needs. His approach is rooted in action, direct grassroots consultation, and programmatic mobilization.
He understands that CEC membership is not a mere title; it is a constitutional responsibility to unify, guide, supervise, implement, and build structures that deliver the party’s vision of socio-economic transformation and prosperity.
Eastern Uganda cannot continue under passive leadership that fails to fulfil constitutional mandates. The region deserves a CEC member who will provide visible political leadership, formulate practical policies addressing local needs, supervise and revive district and sub-county NRM branches, appoint competent functionaries to implement programs, propagate NRM policies with clarity and integrity, and ensure full implementation of NEC and National Conference decisions for real grassroots impact.
Calvin Echodu promises exactly this. His candidacy is not an act of rebellion; it is a rescue mission for a party losing its grip on Eastern Uganda. The people need a CEC member who brings the NRM back to its core promise: peace, unity, and social transformation for prosperity. Mukula’s tenure has failed in this duty. It is time for The New Energy. It is time for Calvin Echodu.
Abert Ojok
NRM Senior Cadre
