Uganda: I Couldn't Endorse Open Bribery - Mukula Explains Exit From NRM Cec Race

27 August 2025
Nile Post (Kampala)
By Kenneth Kazibwe

I Couldn't Stand Open Voter Bribery- Mukula Explains Withdrawal from NRM CEC Race refine this headline

Capt Mike Mukula has explained circumstances under which he withdraw from the NRM CEC race for the position of the national vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda.

Mukula on Wednesday evening, a few hours to voting, announced he had withdrawn from the race, leaving it for Calvin Echodu.

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In a statement after withdrawing, Mukula said a"fter careful reflection, sober consideration, and with a clear conscience, I have taken the difficult but principled decision to withdraw my candidature for the position of National Vice Chairman (Eastern Region), National Resistance Movement (NRM)."

"The ongoing campaign process has, regrettably, been grossly compromised. The exercise has been marred by widespread corruption, open voter bribery, and the reckless expenditure of huge sums of money to influence delegates. Such practices undermine the very spirit, values, and historical mission upon which the NRM was founded. They erode the moral fabric of our movement and threaten to delegitimize our internal democratic processes," Mukula said.

The veteran politician said 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."

"My withdrawal should not be mistaken for weakness or indifference. On the contrary, it is an act of conviction and political maturity -- a clear stand against the commercialization of politics and the corrosion of our party's values."

He urged the NRM national chairman, President Museveni, the Central Executive Committee (CEC), and the party's Electoral Commission to reflect on these challenges and to institute corrective measures.

"It is imperative that the NRM reclaims its moral authority by addressing these vices and initiating reforms that will safeguard our internal democracy, restore integrity, and inspire confidence among our members and the wider population."

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