The political heat in Ngariam County took another dramatic turn on Sunday after Capt. Mike Mukula, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, issued a formal statement denying allegations that he threatened the life of parliamentary aspirant Dan Mulalu.
Mukula’s statement was shared widely across social media by his Voice of Teso Radio journalist Simon Ochen.
The press release came in response to a fiery accusation by Mulalu, made early Sunday via the Teso Development Forum (TDF) WhatsApp group, that Mukula had contacted his head of security, Mr. Odiope, in a manner he interpreted as threatening.
“Should anything happen to me, Mukula is suspect number one,” Mulalu wrote in the forum, triggering public concern and fierce debate about political interference and personal security in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
In his press release titled “For Immediate Circulation”, Mukula confirmed that he indeed spoke to Mr. Odiope, whom he described as a longtime acquaintance and the chief escort of Hon. Musa Ecweru, State Minister for Transport.
According to Mukula, the call was a routine and professional attempt to reach Minister Ecweru over what he described as a matter of “national and regional importance.”
“Shortly thereafter, I was able to speak directly with Hon. Ecweru and exchange views on the matter in question,” Mukula clarified.
He strongly rejected any suggestion that his call was meant to intimidate or compromise Mulalu’s security.
“It is deeply regrettable that this courteous and professional effort has been distorted and misrepresented,” Mukula stated.
“The suggestion that I intended to compromise the security detail of Mr. Dan Mulalu or issue threats is not only false but also a dangerous fabrication designed to malign my character and sow unnecessary discord.”
Mukula further said he personally called Mulalu earlier in the day to express solidarity and advised him to ignore “shallow distractions.”
“In a gesture of good faith, I personally called Comrade Dan Mulalu this morning, expressing both comfort and solidarity, encouraging him to ignore these shallow distractions and to focus on our shared responsibilities,” the statement read.
The developments have left the Teso political scene buzzing, with supporters from both sides weighing in.
While some viewed Mukula’s statement as a mature and clarifying response to the allegations, others remained skeptical and called for transparency on what prompted the initial call to Odiope.
Sam Acaitum, a senior FDC mobilizer from Soroti, earlier dismissed the drama as “scarecrow tactics” and advised Mulalu to press on with his campaign.
“What the opposition goes through every time elections approach is far more severe,” Acaitum said. “This is not the time for victimhood. It’s time to stay focused.”
However, political analyst Moses Ariong noted that the incident, regardless of how it is interpreted, highlights deeper issues within Teso politics.
“We are witnessing a symptom of a much larger problem,” Ariong said. “There is an entrenched perception that new political actors must seek clearance or blessing from old guard figures like Mukula. Whether true or not, it creates a toxic climate that stifles fair competition.”
While Mukula’s call for civility and mutual respect may temper the political storm, Mulalu’s team has not issued a direct retraction or apology.
His aides say the incident has been noted and will be handled through the appropriate legal and political channels.
“We are not at war with anyone,” one aide said. “But we won’t be silenced or made to feel unsafe for choosing to stand.”
Mulalu, who has been steadily gaining popularity among Ngariam’s youth and working-class voters against incumbent Sports Minister Peter Ogwang and tight friend to Capt. Mukula, continues to position himself as a transformative alternative to establishment politics.
His campaign has focused on agriculture, education reform, and youth employment, issues resonating with an electorate hungry for change.
Ngariam County is shaping up to be one of the most contested constituencies in the Teso Sub-region.
With increasing political engagement from both the ruling NRM and emerging independent voices, the area has become a bellwether for generational and ideological shifts.
Mukula, as one of the most recognizable political figures in Eastern Uganda, remains a key influencer in shaping political alliances and campaigns.
His statement sought to deescalate tensions while reaffirming his values of “honor, humility, and respect.”
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