Captain Mike Mukula pulled out of the race for National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Vice Chairman (Eastern Region), denouncing what he described as a campaign process “grossly compromised” by corruption and voter bribery.
In a strongly worded statement issued today, Mukula — the incumbent office holder — said his “difficult but principled decision” followed “careful reflection and with a clear conscience.”
“The exercise has been marred by widespread corruption, open voter bribery, and the reckless expenditure of huge sums of money to influence delegates,” he said. Participating under such circumstances, he argued, would amount to “legitimizing an illegality” and “endorsing practices that I fundamentally oppose.”
Mukula, a long-serving NRM figure and former Soroti Municipality MP, warned that such practices undermine the party’s founding values and “erode the moral fabric of our Movement.” He called his withdrawal “an act of conviction and political maturity — a stand against the commercialization of politics and the corrosion of our party’s values.”
He urged NRM Chairman President Yoweri Museveni, the Central Executive Committee, and the party’s Electoral Commission to reflect on the challenges and institute reforms to “reclaim moral authority, safeguard internal democracy, and restore integrity.”
Despite his exit from the race, Mukula pledged loyalty to the NRM and Museveni, vowing to continue serving Ugandans “guided by patriotism, integrity, and service above self.”
The NRM Electoral Commission has not yet responded to his allegations or withdrawal. His sudden move is expected to alter the dynamics of the Eastern Region contest and has already ignited debate online about money, integrity, and internal democracy within the ruling party.
 National Vice Chairman (Eastern Region), denouncing what he described as a campaign process “grossly compromised” by corruption and voter bribery.){kind=link}