President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Chairman of NRM has applauded Mike Mukula for withdrawing from the race for Vice Chairman Eastern Region leaving David Calvin Echodu unopposed. Museveni said he often encourages leaders to opt for solution based leadership.
“At the ongoing NRM National Delegates Conference at Kololo Independence Grounds, I have received the withdrawal of Capt. Mike Mukula from the race of Vice Chairman Eastern Region in favor of Mr David Calvin Echodu. I consistently advocate for solution-based leadership; it’s not about who leads but what is accomplished. I commend the two leaders for going back to our principle of shared interest as opposed to individual position,” Museveni said.
While declaring his candidature withdraw, Mukula said after careful reflection, sober consideration, and with a clear conscience, he took the difficult but principled decision to withdraw his 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,” Mukula said.
Mukula explained that the NRM party leadership election process had been regrettably, and grossly compromised. He said 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,” Mukula said.
Mukula said his withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference, insisting that 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. Mukula 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.”
He further said that 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,” Mukula said.