What was meant to be a show of strength by Capt. Mike Mukula quickly spiraled into a public embarrassment, as a poorly organized event branded “Soroti City NRM Day” ended in confusion, disappointment, and anger. The gathering, widely seen as a counter to Calvin Echodu’s highly successful homecoming rally that drew over 30,000 jubilant supporters, had promised to be a grand political statement. Delegates from across the region were mobilized with expectations of a high-profile affair attended by Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, the full Central Executive Committee (CEC), and several ministers. Instead, attendees were met with empty promises and glaring absences.
Only one CEC member, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, appeared, along with three ministers: Hon. Hellen Adoa, Hon. Peter Ogwang, and Hon. Musa Ecweru. The event lacked basic necessities such as food and water, leaving the crowd agitated and disillusioned. As the heat bore down and speeches dragged on, chants of “We want water! We want food!” erupted, disrupting the program. In a desperate bid to calm the chaos, Hon. Ecweru pledged UGX 2 million to purchase drinking water, urging his colleagues to chip in. Still, frustration grew as many realized the event was not an official party celebration, but rather a Mukula-led initiative.
“We came expecting a national NRM Day celebration,” lamented one delegate, “but instead, we were caught in a disorganized personal rally. We stayed from morning to evening without a drop of water or a bite to eat. We couldn’t even leave early because the transport provider claimed he hadn’t been paid.” The situation worsened after the event, with groups from Kumi and Agwara staging a sit-in at Mukula’s residence demanding refunds for transport. Many remained stranded late into the evening at Soroti Sports Ground as drivers refused to move without full payment.
To make matters worse, reports emerged that UGX 100 million allocated for refreshments and logistics had been mismanaged. Mukula’s team is now pointing fingers at event organizers Richard Ekotu, Mr. Eumu, and Mr. Bisanga, accusing them of sabotaging the event. The fallout has sparked internal tension within the local party structures, casting doubt on the leadership and planning capacity of those involved.
In stark contrast to Echodu’s well-organized and widely praised rally, Mukula’s attempt to replicate the momentum has backfired, leaving a trail of complaints, stranded delegates, and damaged credibility. What was supposed to be a moment of political triumph has instead exposed deep cracks in coordination, transparency, and trust among NRM ranks in the region.
