Mukula stressed that his withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference, and that on the contrary, it is an act of conviction and political maturity — a clear stand against the commercialization of politics and the corrosion of the party’s values.
The NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, Capt. Mike Mukula on Wednesday withdrew his candidature from the race to retain the same position, citing widespread corruption, open voter bribery, reckless expenditure to influence delegates, all of which he said are fraught with delegitimizing the internal democracy of the party, in addition to undermining the values and historical mission upon which the NRM was founded.
In his withdrawal statement, Mukula said that after careful reflection, sober consideration, and with a clear conscience, he had taken the difficult but principled decision to withdraw his candidature, which decision he added, had not been made lightly, considering that he has served the party and the people of Eastern Uganda with loyalty, dedication, and unwavering commitment. He withdrew in favour of his biggest challenger, David Calvin Echodu.
“My record speaks for itself in advancing the values of the NRM, mobilizing support, and contributing to the stability and development of our nation and as such, 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 noted.
He however stressed that his withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference, and that on the contrary, it is an act of conviction and political maturity — a clear stand against the commercialization of politics and the corrosion of the party’s values.
In no unclear terms, Mukula called upon the party chairman, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), and the party’s electoral commission to urgently reflect on these challenges and institute corrective measures, noting that it is imperative that the NRM reclaims its moral authority by addressing these vices and initiating reforms that will safeguard its internal democracy, restore integrity, and inspire confidence among members and the wider population.
In conclusion, he reaffirmed his support, saying, “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”.
In response, the party chairman President Yoweri Museveni who acknowledged Capt. Mukula’s withdrawal, said he consistently advocates for solution-based leadership which is not about who leads but what is accomplished.
Museveni commended Mukula and Echodu for going back to the NRM’s principle of shared interest as opposed to individual position.
Born 68 years ago, Mukula was brought up by a single mother who educated him through thick and thin. Between 1996 and 2016, he represented Soroti Municipality in parliament and between 2001 and 2006, he served as State Minister for Health.
Mukula retired from elective politics in March 2016 but has since continued to serve as the NRM Vice Chairman for the Eastern Region.
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