Kampala, Uganda – July 1, 2025 — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is grappling with deepening internal turmoil as a heated rivalry between Capt. Mike Mukula and Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth explodes ahead of the party’s internal elections.
What began as speculation on social media turned into a political showdown after Voice of Teso FM, a station with known links to Mukula, broadcast claims that Oboth had stepped down in favor of the veteran politician. The report quickly spread online, igniting confusion and controversy.
Oboth Denounces Claims as Malicious
Oboth took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly reject the reports, calling them “false, malicious, and disgraceful.” He accused unnamed individuals within the party of orchestrating propaganda to discredit him.
“Politics built on lies must stop,” Oboth posted. “I am not withdrawing. If anything, this makes me more determined to run.”
He further lambasted Mukula’s camp for allegedly promoting tribal favoritism within NRM ranks and sidelining leaders from Bukedi sub-region.
“Bukedi has never had a voice in the NRM secretariat. It’s time we stop this manipulation of regional power dynamics,” he added during a media briefing.
Mukula Responds: “This Is Political Greed”
In a sharp rebuttal, Mukula dismissed Oboth’s accusations as “divisive rhetoric” and labeled the minister’s intentions as “power-hungry.”
“How can someone demand to be a Member of Parliament, a Minister, and Vice Chair of the party at the same time?” Mukula questioned. “This isn’t leadership—it’s greed.”
His campaign manager, Bernard Eumu, a former opposition member now aligned with NRM, claimed that the allegations were part of a conspiracy to derail Mukula’s leadership bid.
High-Stakes Contest in Eastern Uganda
The seat of NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda has become one of the most contested positions in the lead-up to the 2026 general elections. Alongside Mukula and Oboth, other contenders include David Calvin Echodu from Soroti and Dr. Musa Lumumba.
Political analysts believe this rivalry reveals larger ideological rifts within the NRM, especially as younger leaders challenge older power blocs for influence.
“This isn’t just personal—it’s a broader battle for control of Eastern Uganda’s political future,” noted political analyst Moses Kanyomozi.
What’s at Stake for NRM?
The clash has raised questions about unity and inclusivity within Uganda’s ruling party, which has dominated the political landscape for nearly four decades.
With both Mukula and Oboth refusing to back down, the NRM risks an internal rupture that could spill into the national stage. The Eastern Region, a key electoral base, may become a battleground not only for party supremacy but also for defining the NRM’s next generation of leaders.
- Visit the NRM Official Website for updates on internal elections.
