INTERVIEW: Calvin Echodu Vows To Revive Grassroots Politics and Fight Corruption in NRM CEC Bid

As the political race for the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda continues to gain momentum, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr Calvin Echodu, has become a sensation after officially throwing his hat into the ring.

Born and raised in Soroti, Echodu is a dedicated National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadre with a clear vision and has set his eyes on: revitalizing the party’s grassroots base and champion youth engagement.

Speaking during a recent interview, Echodu emphasized the importance of reconnecting with local communities and ensuring that young people become active participants in Uganda’s transformation journey.

“For the past 15 years, there’s been a serious gap in engagement between the NRM Vice Chair’s office and local structures. Young people haven’t been identified, recruited, or empowered to join the party’s political processes,” Echodu said.

He has pledged to change this narrative by spearheading active recruitment, leadership mentorship, and youth mobilization across Eastern Uganda.

“Young people are the majority of Uganda’s population. As NRM, we must face that reality. We must not only engage them but energize them to take part in the implementation of our transformative agenda,” he added.

Early this month, a mammoth crowd in Soroti City showed up to receive Echodu as he was being unveiled as an official candidate

Echodu also highlighted his passion for economic empowerment and community development, stressing that his background as a social entrepreneur gives him the tools to bridge the gap between business and charity, especially in initiatives that uplift the youth and vulnerable groups.

His entry into the CEC race adds to a growing list of contenders, including; Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the current Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Dr. Musa Lumumba; and the incumbent Vice Chair, Captain Mike Mukula. Despite the stiff competition, Echodu believes his message of transparency, youth inclusion, and reenergised  grassroots engagement will resonate with delegates and voters across the region when they decide in August.

A vocal advocate against corruption, Echodu stressed the need for internal reforms within the party:

“Corruption robs our children of their future. It affects the poor most—whether in education, the judiciary, or health. As NRM, we must confront this issue head-on and restore public confidence in our systems,” he urged.

Looking ahead to the 2026 General Elections, Echodu also announced his intention to contest for the Soroti City West Division parliamentary seat, vowing to deliver a double impact by representing his constituents both in Parliament and within the NRM’s highest decision-making body.

“Every system must evolve. We must continue improving our internal elections so that Ugandans continue to see NRM as a model of how a successful party should function. Our strength lies in the grassroots—and we must never lose that connection,” he stressed.

The NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, plays an important role in shaping party policy and direction. It includes the National Chairperson, First and Second Vice Chairpersons, and six regional Vice Chairpersons. It is the highest decision making body of the ruling party.

Echodu also emphasized the need for every CEC member to deeply understand the NRM’s four founding principles: patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.

“As leaders, we must go deeper than summaries. We must embody and promote the core principles of our Movement,” he emphasized.

Calvin Echodu’s campaign is determined to give the incumbent a run for his money when party delegates gather in August to choose leaders who will drive its agenda until 2030.