By Teso Vibez Reporter
In a significant show of unity and political momentum, National Resistance Movement (NRM) delegates from Nwoya, Amuru, Gulu City East and West, Gulu District, and Omoro gathered on Monday at Acholi Inn in Gulu to officially endorse Mr. Calvin Echodu for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda. The meeting, which commenced at 10:00 a.m., drew senior party leaders, local chairpersons, and enthusiastic supporters from across the Acholi subregion.
Miss Olok Christine, representing Madam Aber Gifta the NRM Chairperson for Gulu City opened the event by warmly welcoming Mr. Echodu and all participants. She extended her gratitude to the delegates for their strong turnout and enduring commitment to the party’s ideals, underscoring the importance of solidarity as the NRM prepares for the 2026 electoral cycle.
Taking the podium, Mr. Echodu began his address with heartfelt appreciation for the leaders and delegates from the region. He commended their unwavering loyalty to the NRM and their proactive involvement in the party’s internal processes, including recent primary elections. He described their contribution as instrumental in fortifying the party’s foundation and sustaining its national relevance.
While Mr. Echodu is vying for the Vice Chairperson seat representing Eastern Uganda on the Central Executive Committee (CEC), he emphasized that his leadership aspirations are national in scope. He stressed that the strength of the NRM lies in the collective wisdom and unity of its members across all regions. His speech centered on a vision of national cohesion and shared purpose, with a call to rally the party around inclusive and forward-thinking leadership.
A key pillar of Mr. Echodu’s address was the rejuvenation of grassroots engagement within the party. He pledged to support emerging leaders and foster inclusive participation at every level, cultivating a culture rooted not only in electoral mobilization but in continuous listening, dialogue, and action. He noted that the NRM must evolve into a dynamic movement capable of addressing the real and evolving needs of Ugandans beyond the ballot box.
Mr. Echodu also spoke passionately about the importance of strengthening regional collaboration, particularly between Eastern and Northern Uganda. He stated that progress in one region creates positive ripple effects nationwide, citing trade, infrastructure development, and social cohesion as mutual priorities. Stability and productivity in Eastern Uganda, he noted, would benefit the entire country, including the Acholi subregion.
Firm in his advocacy for youth empowerment, Mr. Echodu outlined a robust plan to invest in vocational training, ideological education, and startup financing through structured programs and Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOS) under each NRM league. He tied these initiatives to President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of economic transformation, particularly through the Parish Development Model (PDM), and urged local leaders to take a hands-on role in promoting its success.
To bridge the gap between the party’s top leadership and its younger members, Mr. Echodu proposed the formation of regional dialogue forums that would provide regular mentorship and open platforms for engagement. He warned that neglecting the future generation risks weakening the core of the Movement, adding that mentorship and ideological grounding are crucial for building lasting leadership.
On the internal workings of the party, Mr. Echodu called for effective mechanisms to resolve conflicts, especially those arising from primary election disputes. He advocated for fair, transparent processes and swift interventions, asserting that true loyalty to the party is demonstrated through the pursuit of truth and harmony.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Echodu pledged to remain approachable, accountable, and committed to serving all Ugandans if elected. He reaffirmed his belief in equal representation and national unity, saying, “I may come from Soroti in the East, but I walk with the heart of a Ugandan who believes that no region is greater than the other, and together we rise.”
His speech resonated deeply with the audience, echoing themes of unity, national renewal, and progressive leadership. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today,” he concluded. “Together, let us prepare an NRM that will not just win elections, but win hearts, transform lives, and build a lasting legacy.”
The endorsement was strongly backed by all NRM district chairpersons from Acholi West, who publicly pledged their support for Mr. Echodu’s candidacy. The event marked a pivotal moment not just for Mr. Echodu’s campaign but for the wider NRM fraternity, symbolizing cross-regional solidarity and a renewed commitment to the party’s mission.
The enthusiastic reception from delegates indicated that Mr. Echodu’s vision and message have struck a powerful chord, positioning him as a credible, unifying force within the ruling party ahead of the 2026 elections.
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