Kisoro, Uganda | Delegates from Kisoro District and Kisoro Municipality have formally endorsed Mr. Calvin Echodu for the position of Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda in the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The declaration was made during a strategic meeting convened in Kisoro, attended by key party leaders and mobilisers.
The endorsement was led by Hon. Dr. Philemon Mateke, the NRM District Chairperson for Kisoro and a senior figure in the party.
Dr. Mateke, who is also a former State Minister for Regional Cooperation, described Mr. Echodu as a visionary leader with a practical understanding of grassroots mobilisation, adding that this makes him well-suited for national leadership.
He noted that Echodu’s ability to connect with party leaders across various levels reflected the kind of inclusive leadership the party currently requires.
Dr. Mateke also expressed the view that the party needed leaders who truly understood the grassroots and were willing to involve every cadre in decision-making processes.
He maintained that Echodu’s leadership approach aligned well with the NRM’s founding principles of mass mobilisation, unity, and transformation.
Ambassador Julius Peter Moto Ocheger, a longtime ally of Dr. Mateke and a close associate of Mr. Echodu was also present at the event and received a warm welcome from the delegates.
The gathering highlighted a strong sense of unity and shared vision among NRM leaders from different regions, bridging Eastern and Western Uganda.
Resident District Commissioner Al Hajji Badru Sebyala also offered his support to Echodu.
He commended him for prioritising grassroots leaders, who he said had often been overlooked in national party structures.
Sebyala observed that Echodu had demonstrated a clear commitment to rebuilding trust among lower-level party cadres by giving them an active role in political processes.
In his address to the delegates, Mr. Echodu expressed gratitude for the support he received in Kisoro and said it had further strengthened his determination to lead.
He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive leadership, economic empowerment for party members, and the promotion of development programmes aligned with President Yoweri Museveni’s long-term vision for Uganda.
He stressed the importance of restoring internal party cohesion and ensuring that all party members had a platform to express their views and contribute meaningfully.
Mr. Echodu indicated that he was committed to a leadership style that listens, empowers, and delivers tangible results.
He emphasised the need for a strong voice for the Eastern Region, one that understands both the people and their challenges and said he was prepared to serve in that role.
The endorsement from Kisoro is widely seen as a significant boost to Echodu’s campaign, particularly with the backing of a respected NRM figure like Dr. Mateke.
Political analysts believe the move could influence other districts across the region, enhancing Echodu’s standing as a unifying candidate with national appeal.
With the CEC elections drawing nearer, Mr. Echodu’s campaign has gained notable momentum as he continues to advance a platform grounded in unity, grassroots engagement, economic transformation, and renewed party discipline.
His capacity to mobilise support across regional lines is expected to play a key role in what is shaping up to be a closely watched internal party election.
