Dr. Musa Lumumba has emerged as the clear favorite to replace veteran politician Capt. Mike Mukula as the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, according to a recent online poll conducted by UG Diplomat.
The poll, which asked respondents to select their preferred candidate among four contenders through a WhatsApp channel, revealed Dr. Lumumba securing a commanding 347 votes, overshadowing Mukula, who garnered 95 votes. David Calvin Echodu and Defence Minister Jacob Marksons Oboth trailed behind with 17 and 15 votes, respectively.
Although the poll is not an indication of who would win, it reflects to a large extent the sentiments of participants towards candidates.
The poll results come amid growing discussions within NRM circles over leadership renewal and generational transition, especially in key regional positions of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC). Mukula, a longstanding member of the party’s leadership, has held the Eastern Vice Chair position for over a decade and is known for his charisma and deep-rooted mobilization across the sub-region.
However, the overwhelming support for Dr. Lumumba reflects an appetite for change. A political analyst familiar with Busoga and Teso dynamics noted, “Lumumba’s appeal lies in his grassroots engagement and the perception that he represents a fresh vision for Eastern Uganda within the NRM.”
The emergence of Defence Minister Oboth and Echodu adds to the intrigue, potentially signaling deeper intra-party contestation. While this poll is unofficial, it offers insight into the evolving mood of the party’s support base in the East.
With the ruling NRM expected to hold its internal elections in the coming months, the race for Eastern Vice Chairperson could become one of the most hotly contested.
