As the race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda intensifies, businessman-turned-politician Calvin David Echodu has come out strongly to clear the air on corruption allegations, insisting that he has a clean record and pledging to champion integrity within the party and the country.
Speaking in an interview this morning, Echodu dismissed insinuations linking him to corruption, framing the debate around his unblemished track record both in business and in non-profit leadership.
He comments come after a section of supporters loyal to incumbent Vice Chairman For NRM Eastern Uganda Capt. Mike Mukula via various social media posts claiming Echodu was a corrupt and deserved to be investigated.
“You gauge a person if he is corruption-free by asking: Have they been accused of corruption? Have they been prosecuted? Have they been convicted or subjected to any such process?” Echodu argued. “I have not held public office. I have not held public funds. I am a businessman, and I have run non-profits that have not been in any scandal.”
Echodu emphasized that his campaign is anchored on transparency, accountability, and support for President Museveni’s anti-corruption fight.
“I am an NRM cadre, and I believe in NRM’s ideology. I believe that this country can do better,” he stated. “Uganda can rise above corruption and truly serve its people, especially the youth, to ensure they have a future. Leadership is not just about talking, it’s about demonstrating integrity and setting an example.”
Echodu further committed to backing President Museveni’s stance against corruption, promising to mobilize the grassroots and rebuild trust in government structures.
“We are ready to support the chairman and president in fighting corruption and ensuring we build something solid for our children’s future,” Echodu said.
“Uganda should rank better globally, free from corruption, so we can attract investors who won’t think twice about bringing their money here.”
He warned that corruption is one of the biggest threats to investment and development, stressing that a corruption-free Uganda would open doors for economic growth, create jobs for young people, and enhance the country’s global reputation.
Echodu connected his anti-corruption message to his broader vision for economic transformation, arguing that rooting out corruption is critical to investor confidence.
“We want a country where, when we call investors to come, they are happy to partner with Ugandans because they know it’s a corruption-free nation,” he said.
“When you see a country that ranks high on integrity, it reflects a mindset shift and an appreciation of NRM’s ideology to build prosperity.”
He added that demonstrating a corruption-free system would make Uganda a hub for international investors, fueling industrialization and wealth creation.
Turning to regional politics, Echodu also weighed in on the state of East African integration, expressing concern about recent setbacks but remaining hopeful about the future.
“I think it’s a bad step backward for East African integration,” he admitted. “But I’m optimistic that the young generation is rising above such divisions. The challenges we face are not European imports but our own African feudal tribal sentiments that we’ve failed to outgrow. Once young people overcome these barriers, integration will become inevitable.”
Echodu stressed that integration, especially economically, is vital for Africa’s growth and competitiveness, urging youth to embrace unity over division.
Echodu also addressed internal NRM politics, praising the party for its resilience and commitment to democratic processes despite challenges.
“NRM is largely a peaceful party. Of course, like any other party, we have bad actors who don’t uphold our values,” he said.
“But even with those challenges, NRM has managed to hold primaries, which many other parties have failed to do. This is a learning process, and we must all play by the rules.”
Echodu’s remarks appear aimed at positioning himself as a reformist inside, someone loyal to the NRM and President Museveni, yet committed to addressing the party’s weaknesses and strengthening its connection to the grassroots.
As someone who has not held public office, Echodu is presenting himself as an outsider to political scandals, offering what he calls “new energy” to a party that he believes needs to rejuvenate its structures in Eastern Uganda.
His bid to unseat incumbent Capt. Mike Mukula reflects a growing demand for generational change within the NRM.
Analysts note that his strong anti-corruption message and pro-youth agenda could resonate with delegates who are increasingly wary of entrenched political figures.
However, unseating a veteran like Mukula will require significant mobilization and strategic alliances within the party.
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