Kampala – July 14, 2025
National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Flight Captain Mike Mukula, has sent a strong message to political novices eyeing top party positions, warning that the Central Executive Committee (CEC) is not a space for "trial and error."
Speaking during a highly attended press conference in Kampala, Mukula reaffirmed his bid to retain his seat on the CEC, saying he remains the most qualified and capable candidate to represent the Eastern region. He expressed concern that some of his rivals are political amateurs who have never held any meaningful leadership positions and are attempting to "parachute" into the highest decision-making organ of the party.
“Some of those people you see have no history of leadership. They have not even been chairpersons of LC1 or district councilors. They simply want to climb the tree from the top that’s not possible. We don’t know their capabilities. CEC is not a prototype for testing,” Mukula charged.
The veteran politician and former minister also warned against what he called attempts by foreign imperial agents to infiltrate the ruling party. He claimed some individuals vying for positions within the NRM are being sponsored by external forces seeking to weaken the party’s foundation.
“Africa suffered over 400 years of slavery because of agents of imperialism who worked with colonialists. We cannot allow history to repeat itself. The NRM must be protected from infiltration,” Mukula said.
Highlighting his long standing contributions to the party and country, Mukula reminded Ugandans of his involvement in key historical moments. He cited his role in mobilizing the Arrow Boys militia to expel Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army from the Teso sub-region, noting that the area is now fully secure thanks to such efforts.
Mukula also recalled his humanitarian work during the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, where he helped recover and bury hundreds of bodies that had floated into Lake Victoria.
“These are not stories. These are facts that define leadership through sacrifice and action,” he said.
Mukula further pointed to his strategic role during the 2021 general elections held under COVID-19 restrictions. With mass rallies banned, he said he used his private helicopter to campaign for President Museveni across the country.
“Using my chopper, I traversed the region and ensured that President Museveni’s message reached the people. That’s how NRM defeated the NUP wave. In Eastern Uganda, we delivered a landslide,” he proudly stated.
He backed up this claim with statistics, noting that the NRM secured 97 MPs in the region compared to NUP’s two, FDC’s 11, and JEEMA’s one. An additional 26 independent MPs, he said, were NRM leaning a testament to his effective mobilization.
In a bold metaphor, Mukula likened himself to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, saying he is still at the peak of his political game and should not be replaced.
“President Museveni needs to be surrounded by experienced and tested leaders. I’m like Ronaldo, I score whenever I’m on the field. No team substitutes its best player.”
With the CEC elections slated for August and voting rights reserved for NRM delegates from across the country, Mukula pledged to campaign vigorously and interact with all stakeholders.
“I will move across the country to meet our delegates. This race is not about guesswork it’s about track record, loyalty, and vision.”
Mukula’s remarks have stirred fresh debate within party circles as the contest for CEC positions intensifies. His message was clear: leadership in the NRM is earned, not handed out as an experiment.
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