Ngariam County Race Heats Up: MP Aspirant Mulalu Accuses Mike Mukula of Threats, Sparks Debate

Tensions have escalated in the Ngariam County parliamentary race after MP aspirant Daniel Mulalu publicly accused senior NRM leader and former Soroti Municipality MP Captain Mike Mukula of threatening his security.

The shocking claim was made in a post shared on the Teso Development Forum (TDF) WhatsApp group, a platform widely respected across the Teso Sub-region for promoting transparency, unity, and regional development dialogue.

“Good morning TDF fraternity. Yesterday night Mike Mukula called my security personnel… I don’t know if Mukula has the monopoly of leadership in Teso,” wrote Mulalu on the group. “Should anything happen to me, Mukula is suspect number one.”

The post sent shockwaves across political and civil society circles, sparking an immediate backlash and debate about the state of politics in Teso, especially as the 2026 general elections draw nearer.

Mulalu’s remarks implied interference and intimidation from within the ruling party, a claim that echoes broader concerns among emerging politicians in the region.

Among those he allegedly called included; Olido and Okeng the chief campaign managers of Kazi Ni Kazi.

While Captain Mukula has not publicly responded to the accusation, the statement has raised fears over the safety of opposition and independent candidates vying for leadership in Teso.

Mulalu, who has been gaining popularity in Ngariam due to his grassroots mobilization and focus on youth employment, has positioned himself as a fresh face ready to challenge the status quo.

Mulalu’s close aides told reporters that the security personnel in question confirmed receiving a call from an individual claiming to represent Mukula.

They allege the caller made veiled threats aimed at intimidating the aspirant into soft-pedaling his campaign activities.

“We are consulting our legal team,” Mulalu said briefly when contacted for further comment.

“But I’m focused on the people of Ngariam. They deserve leadership free of coercion and fear.”

The incident has attracted condemnation and cautionary advice from various opposition figures and political commentators.

Sam Acaitum, a senior Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) mobilizer based in Soroti City, dismissed the claims as part of the game of politics, known for its strategic misdirections and psychological warfare.

“That’s scarecrow and diversion,” Acaitum said. “Ignore and concentrate with your campaigns. You should know why politics is called siasa, it’s never straight. What the opposition goes through during campaign time is 100 times worse than what Mukula is allegedly doing. Show him you’re above threats and instead accelerate your campaign with renewed energy.”

Political analyst Moses Ariong weighed in more critically, warning of a deep-seated culture of political sabotage within Teso itself.

“This is the problem in Teso,” Ariong lamented. “We do not want fair competition or any at all, yet pretend to be interested in justice. Iteso akwenyutu, the enemy is within!”

The Ngariam County race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in Teso Sub-region. Incumbent MP Peter Ogwang is facing growing criticism from youth and grassroots movements calling for change, accountability, and economic transformation.

Dan Mulalu, a youthful figure with a business and community development background, has steadily built momentum in recent months.

His campaign emphasizes local development, quality education, and stronger support for farmers. He is seen by many as the most credible challenger to the political establishment in the area.

A local civil society leader who preferred anonymity noted, “Regardless of the truth behind the call, what’s important is that the election environment remains peaceful. The Electoral Commission and security agencies must ensure that no candidate is intimidated or unfairly targeted.”

Captain Mike Mukula, a key NRM mobilizer in Eastern Uganda, wields significant influence in Teso’s political landscape.

Known for his strong loyalty to the ruling party and high-profile lobbying roles, Mukula is often credited for advancing infrastructure and education projects.

However, critics argue that his dominance in regional politics has sometimes stifled democratic space and made it difficult for new leaders to emerge.

“This is not the first time Mukula’s name has been caught up in regional political feuds,” said a source. “But the real question is whether the NRM can nurture competition from within without resorting to backroom pressure tactics.”

With campaign season heating up across the country, the Uganda Police and Electoral Commission have repeatedly emphasized the importance of peaceful engagements and legal resolution of disputes.

Mulalu’s team is reportedly considering filing a formal complaint for investigation.

“I have one mission, to serve my people with integrity and courage,” he told media during an interview. “No amount of intimidation will change that.”