Ambassador Nelson Oceger has declared that the race for the Central Executive Committee (CEC) position in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is as good as decided, with Calvin David Echodu poised for victory.
Speaking during the conclusion of Echodu’s tour of Teso Sub-region on Sunday, Ambassador Oceger urged any doubters to “start counting their losses.”
“Out of all the seven people standing, Echodu stands out. The rest are dealers,” Oceger said, drawing cheers from the crowd. “He has been accepted across the country because he represents Team New Energy.”
Oceger hailed Echodu as the only contender who secured the NRM flag in an uncontested process without resorting to intimidation or manipulating party registers.
“He got the flag without removing anyone’s name from the NRM register or the National Electoral Commission records,” he stressed.
“Echodu is coming to create an opportunity where all Ugandans can play a role in the country’s development. He has the capacity to create harmony and unite the whole country.”
According to Oceger, the “New Energy” agenda is precisely what President Museveni needs to drive the country into its next phase of growth.
“New Energy is designed to give the President the push he wants to continue developing Uganda,” he said.
The endorsement wave continued in Serere District, where local NRM leaders pledged their full backing for Echodu’s bid.
Serere District NRM Chairperson, Micheal Olobo, confirmed that after a unanimous agreement among delegates, the district had officially resolved to support Echodu.
“We have made our choice, and the choice is Echodu,” Olobo declared, noting that the decision reflected the will of the grassroots party members.
Omer Sylivesters, Chairperson of the NRM Youth League in Serere, said the youth had also thrown their weight behind Echodu.
He urged the candidate to prioritise cadre identification and placement once elected.
“We have so many educated youth across the country who remain unemployed. We need leaders who will not just talk but take action to place young cadres where they can serve,” Omer said.
Veteran NRM mobiliser and Atiira Sub-county Chairperson, Charles Erimu, described Echodu as “a saviour for the NRM.”
He said Echodu’s deep roots in the region made him a natural choice for Teso.
“His father served as Sub-county Chief of Kateta and Olio. He is like a son of the soil,” Erimu said. “We trust him, but I urge him to let his actions speak louder than the lies from his opponents.”
Erimu also warned rival candidates against the tactic of “hiding delegates” on the eve of elections. “Let the will of the people prevail,” he added.
Jane Frank Auma, Publicity Secretary of the Serere District NRM Women’s League, welcomed Echodu warmly and assured him of their votes.
However, she also issued a request on behalf of the women.
“We want your support in our SACCOs because in most cases, women are abandoned after elections,” Auma said. “We also need to see more women from Serere appointed to government jobs.”
Taking the microphone, Echodu thanked the people of Teso for their overwhelming reception, saying his campaign had been made easier because his main opponent relied on “lies and divisive politics.”
“The time for lying politics in Teso is over,” Echodu declared. “NRM must be a party for action. There is no experience worth boasting about if it is the experience of telling lies. You cannot talk about unity when there is no unity, and you cannot have unity when liars dominate leadership.”
He criticised leaders who only engage delegates during election season, leaving them to languish in poverty afterwards.
“We cannot have NRM delegates living like FDC cadres, poor and neglected,” Echodu said, provoking laughter from the crowd.
“It is time to change Uganda while supporting the President’s ideologies. The President needs New Energy.”
Echodu expressed confidence that his message had resonated with NRM members across the country.
“For those of you who are still not convinced, we have already won this election. In your hearts, you know you are tired of the old ways,” he said. “Let’s go to Kololo and show them the strength of New Energy.”
Visibly moved by the warm welcome in Teso, Echodu promised to deliver a different style of leadership if entrusted with the CEC seat.
“I am humbled and excited by the love you have shown me. I promise we shall do something different when you give me this chance,” he said.
With strong endorsements from party leaders, youth, women, and veteran cadres, as well as Oceger’s emphatic backing, Echodu’s Teso tour ended on a high note.
His “New Energy” message appears to be gaining momentum as the NRM moves closer to the decisive vote for its next Central Executive Committee representatives.
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We truly support Echodu for cec seat,no doubt he will make a difference,we pray for his overwhelming success
Bishop stephen