Calvin Echodu To Bridge Gap Between NRM Leaders and Grassroots In Eastern Uganda

Businessman-turned-politician Calvin Echodu has pledged to rebuild the link between the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership in Eastern Uganda and its grassroots structures if elected as the party’s Vice Chairperson for the region.

Echodu, who joined the race in July after his nomination by the NRM Electoral Commission, is challenging long-serving incumbent Capt. Mike Mukula in elections scheduled for Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the polls, Echodu accused the current leadership of neglecting party structures, citing weak communication and limited interaction with the grassroots.

“The problem with Eastern Uganda is basically the office of the vice chairperson. There has been no connection with the grassroots. For example, the vice chairperson has not met with the chairman in the last five years, and you cannot have a working arrangement without regular engagement,” he said.

Echodu promised to “put that bridge back” by fostering dialogue between leaders and party structures, identifying challenges, and jointly working out solutions.

His campaign agenda focuses on:

• Empowering grassroots structures through lobbying for resources to facilitate mobilisation.

• Strengthening youth involvement by recruiting, training, and deploying young people to serve the party and country.

• Promoting economic development through job creation, investments, and support for savings groups and cooperatives.

“I want to ensure grassroots leaders are facilitated to do their mobilisation work effectively. We also want to attract more youth to the NRM and provide them with opportunities to serve,” he explained.

Echodu, who has traversed the country consulting delegates, expressed confidence in victory.

“It has been a rewarding experience meeting delegates. Our message is simple and clear, and we believe it has been well received. We are very confident of a resounding victory,” he noted.

He thanked the NRM fraternity and the media for their support during his consultations and declared readiness for the election.

“We are prepared. I want to thank all the delegates, chairmen, and party structures for their efforts. We look forward to celebrating together after the elections,” Echodu said.