National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairperson aspirant for Eastern Uganda, David Calvin Echodu, has strongly condemned the violence that marred the recent NRM grassroots elections across the country.
His comments, made during a widely viewed appearance on NTV’s Tonight weekend edition, have sparked national debate about the future of internal democracy within Uganda’s ruling party.
According to reports from sources within the NRM Secretariat, violence and irregularities were registered in approximately 500 electoral areas during the just-concluded grassroots polls.
These incidents ranged from physical confrontations, ballot tampering, to intimidation of voters, particularly in regions where competition for local leadership positions was fierce.
Echodu, a rising political figure and vocal advocate for party renewal, did not mince words as he blamed the unrest on entrenched leadership structures that resist change.
“Some of the violence we saw is a result of leaders who have overstayed in their positions and were not prepared to lose. They saw defeat as unacceptable, even in a democratic process,” Echodu stated. “That mindset is dangerous for the future of our party.”
The NRM grassroots elections are held periodically to elect village, parish, and sub-county leaders, who later constitute the electoral colleges for district and national leadership positions, including the powerful Central Executive Committee (CEC).
These elections are critical in shaping the party’s direction, especially ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Despite the challenges, Echodu took time to congratulate the winners of the grassroots polls and urged them to bring renewed energy and commitment to the NRM’s founding principles.
“I congratulate the newly elected leaders. They carry the hopes of our party into the future. I challenge them to lead with integrity, listen to the people, and prioritize unity and development above self-interest,” he said.
Echodu’s comments come at a time when the race for the NRM CEC Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda is gaining momentum.
The position, currently held by Capt. Mike Mukula, is one of the most influential within the party, as it oversees mobilization, coordination, and strategy across over 40 districts in Eastern Uganda.
With calls from the grassroots for generational change and fresh ideas, Echodu has emerged as a strong contender.
He has built his campaign around the themes of internal democracy, youth empowerment, and institutional reform.
His message appears to be resonating, especially among young party members and professionals seeking a more transparent and participatory NRM.
“The NRM was built on values of resistance to bad governance. We must now resist stagnation, exclusion, and violence within our own ranks. If we do not change ourselves from within, we risk losing the confidence of the people,” Echodu warned during the interview.
Echodu’s growing influence has also been noted in the Teso sub-region and beyond, where his development programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and business acumen have earned him admiration.
Analysts say his ability to connect with both the grassroots and the urban electorate makes him a formidable candidate in the upcoming CEC elections.
The NRM CEC polls are scheduled to take place in mid-2025, ahead of the national delegates’ conference.
Alongside the Eastern region seat, other key positions, including the national vice chairperson slots for the north, west, central, and national youth leadership, will also be up for contest.
Party insiders have hinted at a wider internal debate about the need for the CEC to evolve with the times.
Some members argue that long-serving leaders, while experienced, may no longer reflect the aspirations of the growing youthful population within the party.
In light of the recent violence, the NRM Electoral Commission has pledged to investigate the incidents and take action against perpetrators.
There are also fresh calls for the establishment of stronger electoral guidelines, training of party election officers, and closer monitoring of future internal elections.
Meanwhile, Echodu continues to make his case as the right candidate to steer Eastern Uganda’s NRM bloc into the future.
“I believe in the power of dialogue, inclusion, and service. This party has achieved much, but we must now transition to a new chapter, one that is people-centered and future-focused,” he concluded on NTV.
As the countdown to the 2025 CEC elections continues, David Calvin Echodu’s bold and reform-driven approach is shaping a new conversation about leadership within Uganda’s ruling party.
Whether it will translate into electoral victory remains to be seen, but his message is already reshaping how many view the future of the NRM.
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Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the good spirit.