Two weeks after declaring his intention to contest for the position of National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for the Eastern Region, Dr. Musa Lumumba, the National Coordinator of Bazzukulu Doctors, has received a significant endorsement from the First Deputy Prime Minister and NRM 1st Vice Chairperson (Female), Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
Kadaga blessed Dr. Lumumba’s candidature today as Lumumba paid her a courtesy call, providing a major boost to his campaign.
Speaking to UG Diplomat about her endorsement, Dr. Lumumba expressed deep appreciation for Kadaga’s support, describing her as a steadfast and patriotic leader.
“Kadaga is a leader we need to keep as NRM Vice Chairperson (female) because she has President Museveni, the party and country’s interests at heart,” Lumumba remarked.
The Kadaga endorsement is expected to boost Lumumba’s campaign as he prepares to face off with seasoned political figures, including the incumbent Mike Mukula, Uganda’s Defence Minister Hon. Oboth Oboth, and the latest entrant into the race, Calvin Echodu.
Dr. Lumumba has built a reputation as a strong advocate for youth development, health financing, patriotism, and pan-Africanism.
His leadership credentials are evident in his recent efforts to mobilize and empower young professionals in the medical field. Notably, in May 2023, he successfully mobilized the first cohort of doctors to undergo patriotism and leadership development training at the National Leadership Institute (NALI), aimed at instilling national values among health practitioners.
Earlier in April 2023, he organized the first-ever post-medical internship dinner at Serena Hotel, an event supported by President Yoweri Museveni, to appreciate and recognize the contributions of young medical professionals.
Together with Dr. Samuel Oledo, he made headlines when they knelt at Kololo Independence Grounds, expressing gratitude to the President for his investments in the health sector and urging him to seek re-election in 2026.
Dr. Lumumba has also played a critical role in resolving disputes within the medical fraternity, notably demobilizing strikes among medical interns to ensure stability in the sector. His leadership experience extends beyond Uganda, having previously represented African youth at the United Nations in 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as serving on the Global Fund Board as an African Youth Advisor to the Point 7 delegation in 2015 and 2016.
His decision to vie for the NRM Vice Chairmanship for the Eastern Region has stirred discussions within the party, given his strong youth support base and history of advocacy for healthcare and national development.
With competition from seasoned politicians like Hon. Oboth Oboth, Mike Mukulu, and Calvin Echodu, the race promises to be one of the most closely watched contests within the NRM’s internal elections.
