Kampala, Uganda – Capt. Mike Mukula, the National Vice Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) for Eastern Uganda, has laid out a compelling vision for leadership within the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), emphasizing experience, sacrifice, and ideological commitment as non-negotiable qualities for top-tier leaders.
In a detailed document titled “Experience and Sacrifice: The Foundations for Leadership in the NRM High Command,” Mukula, who is seeking re-election to his position, articulated the critical role of the CEC in shaping Uganda’s political trajectory. He stressed that leadership in the NRM must be earned through a proven track record of service, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to the party’s core values.
The Pillars of NRM Leadership
Mukula outlined four key qualifications for CEC leaders:
1. Grassroots Mobilization Experience – Leaders must understand the struggles and aspirations of ordinary Ugandans, gained through hands-on work at village, parish, and district levels.
2. Institutional Track Record – Demonstrated competence in public service, Parliament, or the military, coupled with patriotism and integrity.
3. Ideological Maturity – A deep commitment to NRM principles, including Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
4. Proven Crisis Management– The ability to navigate political turbulence and unify divided constituencies.
Highlighting the importance of sacrifice, Mukula noted that true leaders forego personal gain, endure hardships, and invest in mentoring the next generation. “The NRM was built on the blood, sweat, and tears of those who risked everything for Uganda,” he wrote. “Today’s leaders must embody that same selflessness.”
Mukula defended the NRM’s structured progression system, which requires leaders to rise through local councils, district committees, and party leagues before reaching national roles. “This ensures that only tested and trusted individuals steer the party,” he asserted, rejecting shortcuts based on ambition or financial power.
A Call to Preserve the NRM Legacy
In his conclusion, Mukula warned that the NRM’s future hinges on leaders who embody its founding ideals. “The CEC must be composed of cadres who carry the party’s ideological DNA,” he declared, framing his re-election bid as a mission to safeguard the Movement’s relevance and resilience.
As the NRM prepares for its internal elections, Mukula’s manifesto has resonated with party loyalists who view his extensive experience—from grassroots mobilization to national leadership—as a testament to his fitness for the role. His bid underscores a broader debate within the NRM about the balance between continuity and renewal in its top ranks.
With his legacy of service and a clear vision for the party’s future, Capt. Mike Mukula remains a formidable contender in the race to lead the NRM’s Eastern region—and beyond.
