Capt. Mike Mukula has lashed out at opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, over what he described as a “mockery” of the suffering endured by the people of Teso, following the latter’s donation of five cows to war victims during a recent visit to Soroti.
Speaking at Soroti Sports Grounds on Saturday during a belated celebration of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s achievements in the region, Mukula accused the National Unity Platform (NUP) president of trivialising decades of pain caused by insurgencies, cattle rustling and government military operations.
“Teso deserves respect, not mockery,” Mukula said.
“How can you reduce our people’s pain to just five cows? That is not compensation—it is an insult. Teso deserves genuine support and long-term solutions, not political stunts.”
Kyagulanyi’s visit to Eneku Village in Soroti City had drawn large crowds of war victims, to whom he pledged full compensation within two weeks if elected president.
But his symbolic donation of cows has provoked sharp criticism from several regional leaders, with Mukula leading the charge.
At the same event, Mukula announced his bid for the position of NRM National Vice Chairman for the Eastern Region.
He promised to visit every district and engage with local delegates to forge a unified political voice for Teso within the ruling party.
“This is the time for Teso to speak with one voice. I am ready to move district by district, village by village, to ensure our people are fully represented,” he declared.
Minister for ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who also addressed the gathering, rallied support for Mukula and President Museveni, warning against “populist distractions” from the opposition.
“NRM has laid the foundation for peace and transformation. Let us not be swayed by populism. The future lies with experience and structure,” Baryomunsi said.
Although Mukula’s remarks drew applause from ruling party supporters, other voices in the region have called for political civility.
“We may disagree politically, but we should encourage respectful engagement—not hostility. Teso needs leaders who can work together for its development,” said Musa Ecweru, State Minister for Works in charge of roads.
With national elections on the horizon, Teso is once again emerging as a focal point in Uganda’s political discourse.
The controversy over Bobi Wine’s donation has sparked broader conversations about compensation, dignity, and how different political actors engage with historically marginalised communities.
Whether the incident will shape voter attitudes in the region remains to be seen.