The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda has taken a dramatic turn as the two top contenders, Capt. Mike Mukula and David Calvin Echodu, are set to campaign in Kumi District on the same day.
Sources close to both camps have confirmed that Friday, August 8, will see the two political heavyweights crisscrossing the district to engage party delegates, a move that is expected to ignite political excitement and draw massive attention within the Teso sub-region and beyond.
The rare coincidence has raised political eyebrows as it underscores the escalating stakes in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched internal contests within the NRM ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Both Mukula and Echodu hail from the greater Teso sub-region, and their planned return to Kumi on the same day is being interpreted as a symbolic homecoming to seek blessings from their political roots before the CEC elections climax.
“They want to show strength where it matters most,” said Kumi NRM General Secretary Solomon Opio yesterday. “Teso will not just be the battleground, it is the heart of this contest.”
According to well-placed sources, Capt. Mike Mukula, the incumbent Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, arrived in Teso last night and is expected to begin his campaign activities today in Serere District, where he is scheduled to meet party leaders, elders, and youth delegates.
Mukula, who has held the position since 2010, is said to be consolidating his long-standing support base across the region before proceeding to Kumi tomorrow for a high-stakes engagement with district-level delegates.
In contrast, David Calvin Echodu, the businessman-turned-political challenger, is also expected to launch his official regional tour today, beginning in the northern parts of Teso, before descending on Kumi District on Friday for what insiders describe as a “decisive rally.”
“This is not just about campaigning. Echodu is going to Kumi to receive home blessings. Teso must speak with one voice,” said Augustine Otuko, the spokesperson for Echodu’s CEC bid in a statement.
The decision by both rivals to campaign in Kumi on the same day has fueled speculation about a deliberate political strategy or an unavoidable collision of schedules, with some analysts arguing that it will allow the delegates to compare the two candidates head-to-head.
Mukula represents a seasoned and deeply entrenched political force in the NRM, with years of experience and connections at the highest levels. His supporters cite his record in mobilization, regional representation, and loyalty to President Museveni.
Echodu, on the other hand, symbolizes a younger generation of NRM leaders seeking renewal, transparency, and re-energized grassroots participation. His campaign theme, “Bringing New Energy to the Party,” has gained momentum, particularly among youth and first-time delegates.
NRM delegates and party supporters in Kumi are bracing for a day of high-stakes political activity.
Both teams have begun mobilizing their bases, and meetings with local council leaders, youth councils, women’s leagues, and party elders have been lined up.
Security has also been beefed up in anticipation of large gatherings and the possibility of overlapping campaign routes.
“We have advised both teams to coordinate with security and respect the party’s code of conduct,” Charles Okiiso the Secretary Publicity Kumi district said. “We expect peaceful campaigns.”
With over 10 districts in the Teso sub-region, the area holds significant influence in determining who eventually secures the Eastern Uganda CEC Vice Chairperson position.
Delegates from Kumi, Soroti, Ngora, Bukedea, Katakwi, Amuria, Kalaki, Serere, and Kaberamaido will play a central role in the final outcome.
Political observers believe that whoever dominates Teso will command a strategic edge going into the delegate elections.
“This election will be decided in the hearts of Teso,” said Andrew Otai a political analyst based in Soroti. “Mukula wants to retain that loyalty, but Echodu is mobilizing aggressively and might surprise many.”
As both contenders take their campaigns directly to the people of Teso, all eyes are now on Kumi District, the stage for a symbolic showdown between experience and new energy.
The political drums in Teso are beating louder, and Kumi is ready to listen.
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