SOROTI
A groundswell of support is building across the Teso sub-region and beyond for Captain Mike Mukula, the incumbent National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, as he campaigns to retain his position in the upcoming party elections.
Delegates and local leaders are rallying behind Mukula, citing his “tested, tried, and proven” record of leadership and his unwavering commitment to driving development in the region. This widespread endorsement positions him as the clear frontrunner in a race that is critical for the party’s strategy in the East.
Campaign trails in districts like Soroti, Kumi, and Bukedea have been marked by enthusiastic crowds, with delegates emphasizing the need for continuity. They argue that Mukula’s deep understanding of the party’s internal mechanisms and his high-level experience are invaluable assets for the region.
“Why change a winning team?” asked Patrick Okumu, an NRM delegate from Kaberamaido. “Captain Mukula is not a newcomer; he is a seasoned leader who has walked with us. He understands our challenges from agricultural modernization to healthcare improvement and, most importantly, he has the ear of the national leadership to get things done. That kind of access is crucial for our development.”
Mukula’s campaign platform is firmly anchored on his past achievements and a clear vision for the future. His supporters point to his instrumental role in:
Health Sector Advocacy:Leveraging his background in health governance, including his former role as State Minister for Health, to improve healthcare infrastructure and programs in the East.
Economic Empowerment: Championing initiatives that support farmers, traders, and youth entrepreneurs, focusing on wealth creation and poverty alleviation.
Party Unity and Mobilization:Using his extensive network and political experience to strengthen the NRM structures at the grassroots level, ensuring a cohesive and robust party ahead of national elections.
In a speech to supporters in Mbale, Mukula acknowledged the support, framing it as a partnership for progress. “This show of solidarity is not for Mike Mukula the individual, but for the shared vision we have for Eastern Uganda,” he stated. “It is a validation of our collective work over the years. We have laid a strong foundation, but there is more to do. My focus remains on delivering tangible results, fostering unity within our party, and ensuring that the Eastern region’s voice is heard loud and clear at the highest tables of decision-making.”
Political analysts observe that Mukula’s blend of experience, name recognition, and a proven development track record gives him a significant advantage.
“Incumbency in such roles comes with inherent benefits,” noted Mary Akol, a political commentator based in Jinja. “Captain Mukula has built relationships and can point to specific projects and interventions. In the eyes of many delegates, he represents stability and a known quantity, a safe pair of hands to navigate the region’s interests within the complex NRM structure. His challenge will be to translate this delegate support into a decisive victory and continue to demonstrate value to the broader population.”
As the election date draws closer, the momentum behind Captain Mukula’s campaign suggests a regional consensus for experienced and connected leadership, setting the stage for a strong showing at the polls.
