By Nathan Eyagu

SOROTI CITY - As the race for the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) intensifies, momentum is building behind Hon. David Calvin Echodu, who is contesting for the position of Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda. In a dramatic political shift, the former campaign team of Sanjay Tanna — who previously vied for the same position — has officially declared its support for Echodu, signaling a significant realignment within the ruling party’s eastern bloc.

Leading the endorsement is Teddy Acham, the NRM National Mobilizer for the Eastern Region and Presidential Advisor, who confirmed the team’s switch in allegiance.

“We came voluntarily to support Hon. Calvin Echodu,” Acham stated. “We are committed to ensuring he takes the seat of NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda. We previously had leadership but failed to witness tangible service delivery. We need a leader who can bridge the gap between the people and the top leadership.”

Acham criticized the incumbent, Capt. Mike Mukula, for poor coordination and alleged inaccessibility. She said the region lacked meaningful engagement between local communities and national leadership.

“We have had our own on that seat for long, but it's been disappointments after disappointments. There are no meetings, no structure, and people feel disconnected. President Museveni hasn’t been properly informed about what's on the ground.”

Kevina Alupo, the former Eastern Region Coordinator for Tanna’s campaign, emphasized the urgent need for change and a reinvigorated NRM.

“We want to change the leadership in our region. The party is no longer felt. God has blessed us with a capable leader in Hon. Echodu. With his political science background, we shall give him 100% support.”

Alupo also criticized Mukula for being distant and allegedly intimidating younger cadres, stating that most youth had lost hope in the party's regional representation.

Odinya David Pande, who is coordinating Bukedi subregion (covering 8 districts, soon to be 11), pledged to use his structures to rally votes for Echodu.

“With Hon. Echodu, we are coming in strong to bridge the vote gap for President Museveni. There’s been an imbalance where the Vice Chairman is detached from flag bearers. Echodu is the right tool for the right job.”

George Otome, a Karamoja region representative and former Tanna supporter, added that the region would vote 100% for Echodu.

“There’s disunity, no one collects the cries of the people. The current leadership has not represented us. We believe Echodu will change that.”

Wandera Okello Sadick, representing the Kumam territory, recalled his long-time support for NRM and past backing of Mukula. However, he is now endorsing Echodu, citing poverty, disconnection, and a lack of visibility from the current leadership.

“Mukula has never come to Kaberamaido. The time has come to give Calvin Echodu the mandate. We’ve carried leaders before; now we want someone who can lift the region.”

Jimmy Alex Edotu, Serere District Councillor and representative of the NRM Councilors Association in Eastern Uganda, directly blamed Mukula for division and poverty in Teso.

“Mukula has been in politics for 30 years, but it’s been about fights and division. Hon. Echodu is coming with a clear motive to change that. He supports development and security, and will take the region forward.”

The defecting leaders accused Mukula of using fear and intimidation to maintain influence, including during recent elections in Soroti City West and the Soroti East by-election.

“Even if Sanjay Tanna pleaded with us to support Mukula, we would advise him to travel back,” said Acham, confirming their commitment to Echodu’s bid.

The collective voices from the former Tanna campaigners, youth leaders, regional mobilizers, and grassroots representatives paint a growing wave of dissatisfaction with the status quo — and a surge of hope in Echodu’s candidacy.

As the CEC elections draw closer, all eyes are now on whether this unexpected alliance will redefine the balance of power in Eastern Uganda’s NRM politics.