The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Eastern Region Vice Chairperson, Capt. Mike Mukula, has finally broken his silence amid growing political tension over the regional chairpersonship race.
Mukula’s remarks come after Calvin Ecodu, the NRM flag bearer for Soroti City West, declared his intention to challenge him for the party’s top position in the region.
Speaking during a radio talk show aired across major stations in the Teso sub-region on Monday, Mukula warned residents to be cautious of what he termed as a “greedy group” with hidden agendas—particularly involving land grabbing.
“These are people with personal motives masquerading as leaders,” Mukula said. “They are not interested in serving the people, but in enriching themselves at the expense of the public.”
Mukula accused some of his political opponents of orchestrating the illegal acquisition of public land across the region.
He cited several contentious land cases allegedly linked to this group, including:
Soroti Golf Course land
Soroti Municipal Secondary School land (currently under court dispute)
Dakabela land formerly owned by Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC)
Obuku land in Soroti
Okore and Angisa in Katakwi (approx. 18,000 hectares)
Land in Serere and other areas
“What will the ordinary person remain with if these land grabbers take everything?” Mukula questioned.
“I have been a Member of Parliament for 20 years, and I have never acquired even a single piece of land dishonestly.”
He called on the people of Teso to reject individuals associated with the alleged land-grabbing group, accusing them of undermining development and unity in the region.
Mukula’s strong statements signal the beginning of what could become a heated political contest within the NRM in Eastern Uganda as the 2026 general elections draw nearer.
While Ecodu and his allies have yet to respond to the specific allegations, political observers suggest Mukula’s message could significantly shift internal party dynamics.
The Eastern Region NRM chairperson position has long been influential, and Mukula’s enduring grip on the seat is now facing a rare internal challenge — a test of his popularity, legacy, and political strategy in a region he has represented for decades.