Kampala, Uganda | Veteran National Resistance Movement (NRM) leader Capt. Mike Mukula has announced his withdrawal from the race for the position of National Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, citing corruption and voter bribery as the reasons behind his decision.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, Mukula said his decision followed careful reflection, sober consideration, and a clear conscience.
He described it as a difficult but principled step.
He explained that although he has faithfully served the party and the people of Eastern Uganda with loyalty and dedication, the ongoing campaigns had been grossly compromised.
According to him, the race has been marred by widespread corruption, open voter bribery, and reckless expenditure of money aimed at swaying delegates.
Mukula noted that participating in such a process would amount to legitimizing illegality.
He stressed that his choice was about standing for principle over expediency, conscience over convenience, and integrity over position.
The outgoing NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda emphasized that his withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness but rather as an act of conviction and political maturity.
He explained that his decision was a clear stand against the commercialization of politics and what he sees as the erosion of NRM’s founding values.
He further urged the party chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, together with the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the NRM Electoral Commission, to reflect on the challenges facing the party and institute urgent corrective measures.
In his view, reforms are necessary to safeguard internal democracy, restore integrity, and rebuild confidence among party members and Ugandans at large.
Despite stepping out of the race, Mukula reaffirmed his loyalty to the NRM, President Museveni’s leadership, and his commitment to serving the people of Uganda.
He underscored his continued dedication to the transformation of Eastern Uganda and the nation at large.
Mukula, a long-serving party mobilizer in Eastern Uganda, has been a central figure in NRM politics and is widely regarded as one of its most influential voices in the region.
His withdrawal is expected to significantly alter the dynamics of the contest for the Eastern Uganda vice chairmanship ahead of the party’s internal elections.