The political drama in Eastern Uganda has taken a fresh twist after Soroti City elder’s representative, Teddy Acham, openly celebrated the downfall of former NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Capt. Mike Mukula, barely Four months after he had mocked her defeat in the ruling party’s elder’s council elections.
Acham, who has never hidden her political rivalry with Mukula, said she felt vindicated following his withdrawal from the highly contested NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) race for Eastern Uganda.
On August 27, 2025, Mukula shocked many by announcing that he was stepping down in favor of youthful businessman-politician David Calvin Echodu.
While many viewed Mukula’s decision as a gesture of loyalty and respect for President Yoweri Museveni, Acham interpreted it differently.
Speaking to the Patriots Ug Online, Acham is quoted having said she was disappointed that Mukula chose to withdraw rather than face defeat at the ballot box.
According to her, the withdrawal robbed her of the satisfaction of watching him “taste his own medicine.”
“I don’t recognize his withdrawal,” Acham remarked defiantly. “There was no need for him to step aside before Mzee. The President was the candidate himself, and Mzee did not call for anyone to surrender before him. Mukula should have gone through the vote, just like I did when he celebrated my downfall.”
Acham’s bitterness stems from events that unfolded on May 19, 2025, during the NRM Special Interest Group elections.
On that day, she suffered defeat in the elders’ elections, prompting Mukula to mock her on social media.
In a celebratory post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Mukula wrote: “Breaking news: The cantankerous Teddy Acham Soroti City overwhelmingly defeated in elders’ elections just now. The city NRM supporters in jubilation.”
https://x.com/Mukulaa/status/1924438631092990197?t=1hROuwjGX34DAFaBS1ntkg&s=19
That post sparked heated debate within Teso’s political circles.
Now, tables have turned. For Acham, Mukula’s withdrawal from the NRM race is poetic justice.
“When I lost, Mukula mocked me. He has faced his own humiliation. But unlike him, I didn’t have to mock, I just wanted him beaten fair and square. Unfortunately, he took the easy way out.”
Amid the drama, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has according to the Patriots Ug reportedly gifted Teddy Acham a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser V8 as recognition for her resilience and contribution to the party.
The luxurious vehicle, according to the Patriots Ug, was handed over earlier this week in Kampala.
The gift comes barely a month after Acham openly asked the President to appreciate her efforts.
During a cattle compensation meeting held at Soroti University, Acham stood up and reminded Museveni of her sacrifices and commitment to the NRM cause, requesting that he “show appreciation.”
Museveni was seen nodding in acknowledgment during that meeting, and it now appears that his promise has been fulfilled.
As reported by the Patriots Ug, the President commended her for being outspoken and “telling the truth without fear or favor.”
“This car is not just a gift, it is a sign that Mzee values Acham’s courage and honesty. She speaks what others fear to say, and that is why she caught the President’s attention,” the Patriots Ug said.
In Uganda’s political culture, gifts from the President often carry symbolic weight.
Analysts argue that Museveni’s gesture toward Acham could be a calculated move to strengthen her influence within the Teso sub-region, especially as the 2026 elections draw closer.
“Museveni understands the politics of symbolism,” said Paul Emuron, a political analyst based in Soroti. “When he gives someone a car, it is more than just a gift. It is recognition and an endorsement. Acham will now command more respect both within the party and among the electorate.”
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