By Steven Enatu
PALLISA
In a colorful ceremony at Kapaala Primary School in Gogonyo County, Pallisa District, the Bukedi region has officially endorsed President Yoweri Museveni as the National Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
The assembly, attended by a massive crowd, also saw Speaker of Parliament Anita Anet Among endorsed for the National Vice Chairperson (Female) position in the NRM Central Executive Committee, alongside Captain Mike Mukula, who is vying for the Eastern Region vice chairmanship. This gathering reflects a significant push for unity and support for the NRM ahead of the pivotal 2026 general elections.
The Bukedi region comprises several districts, including Budaka, Butaleja, Butebo, Busia, Kibuku, Pallisa, and Tororo. The event showcased the strength of the NRM in this area, with prominent figures such as Dr. Flight Capt Mike Mukula, the current NRM Eastern Region vice chairperson, and State Minister for Sport Peter Ogwang, who also doubles as the MP for Ngariam County, present to rally support.
Mukula’s candidacy for vice chairmanship has drawn attention, especially in light of the competition he faced in the 2020 elections against Hon. Sanjay Tanna, who is now pursuing the chairmanship of the National Entrepreneur’s League within the NRM Central Executive Committee. Mukula took to the podium to remind attendees of the significant progress made since the NRM assumed power, particularly in bringing stability to Uganda.
“In the North, the NRM fought the Lord’s Resistance Army, led by Joseph Kony, and the West Nile Bank Front under Juma Oris, while also addressing internal conflicts with Karamojong cattle rustlers,” Mukula stated. He spoke confidently about peace in Uganda, asserting, “Uganda is peaceful from east to west, and now we are exporting peace to Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Let us maintain this harmony.”
Following Mukula’s remarks, Speaker Anita Among urged the people of Bukedi to rally behind President Museveni as the nation prepares for the upcoming elections. “Under President Museveni’s leadership, we have witnessed significant advancements like the Parish Development Model, which has transformed lives. Seed schools have been established in every Sub County, and infrastructure development is ongoing. We must ensure we vote for NRM starting with President Museveni,” she emphasized.
Mukula, affectionately dubbed the “NRM Archbishop” for Eastern Region, also welcomed over 20 former members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party into the NRM, indicating a growing movement and consolidation of power within the party. This influx of new members reflects a strategic move to strengthen the NRM’s foothold by attracting diverse political perspectives.
The Central Executive Committee (CEC) is the apex decision-making body within the NRM, guiding policy and ensuring ideological consistency. Mukula stressed that the role of Regional Vice Chairpersons is primarily voluntary, focused on political mobilization and maintaining party discipline. “This office does not come with a government salary or development funds. It is not about managing government programs but providing ideological direction,” he clarified.
Critics of Mukula’s candidacy have voiced concerns regarding pressing issues such as youth unemployment, poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare infrastructure. However, Mukula asserted that these challenges fall under the purview of government ministries and agencies, as outlined by the Constitution of Uganda. “It is misleading to hold a Regional Vice Chairman accountable for the absence of tarmacked roads or youth employment. These responsibilities lie with designated government bodies,” he explained.
He further illustrated his leadership capabilities through his achievements in the 2021 general elections, where he spearheaded a high-impact mobilization campaign resulting in 97 NRM Members of Parliament and 25 NRM-leaning independents elected from the Eastern region. His strategy, which included an innovative helicopter campaign, emphasized the dedication and resilience required to secure the party’s interests during challenging times.
“Sometimes, it takes a lion’s roar to evoke change. My leadership is not just theoretical; it results from tangible outcomes and unwavering commitment,” Mukula stated, reiterating the impact of his efforts on the party’s success in the region.
As the NRM gears up for the 2026 general elections, the solidarity shown by the Bukedi region will significantly influence the party’s trajectory. The collaboration between leaders like President Museveni, Speaker Anita Among, and Captain Mike Mukula is poised to galvanize support and drive progress as they embark on this political journey, reminiscent of the proverb, “United we stand, divided we fall.”
