When delegates showed up for what they believed was an official NRM Day celebration, they expected a national event honoring the party’s legacy, not a campaign disguised as one. Many came proudly dressed in yellow, singing party songs, and expecting speeches from national leaders. But to their surprise, they quickly realized they had been pulled into Mike Mukula’s personal political rally, not a true NRM function.
Comments from disappointed attendees painted a clear picture. One delegate said, “We came here to celebrate NRM Day, little did we know that it was Mukula’s function.” Another added, “We believed it was a national NRM Day celebration, only to find out it was led by Mukula for his own campaign.”
This has sparked a wave of anger and confusion among NRM supporters, especially in Eastern Uganda, who now feel manipulated and misled. For years, NRM Day has been a respected annual event celebrated across the country — not something that can be casually replicated by an individual candidate to boost turnout.
By using the party’s name and branding the event as “NRM Day,” Mukula’s team created a sense of official importance that drew people in under false assumptions. But once they arrived, the messaging, the focus, and the setup all revolved around Mike Mukula’s political ambitions, not the party’s achievements.
This tactic, though clever, has backfired badly. It raises serious questions about leadership ethics and transparency. If a candidate has to disguise a campaign rally as a national celebration to attract people, what does that say about their real level of support?
As the NRM prepares for internal elections, such actions could damage the party’s credibility and trust with the people. Many now wonder: Was this a show of Mukula’s strength, or a desperate attempt to hide weakness?
Whatever the answer, one thing is clear, people came for NRM, not for Mukula, and that difference matters.
