In a strong show of unity and confidence, NRM delegates from Nwoya, Amuru, Gulu City East and West, Gulu District, and Omoro gathered at Acholi Inn at 10:00 a.m. to officially endorse Mr. Calvin Echodu for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda. Miss Olok Christine, who represented Madam Aber Gifta, the NRM Chairperson of Gulu City, warmly welcomed Mr. Echodu and the delegates to the meeting. She appreciated the members for their continued commitment to the party and thanked them for attending in great numbers.
Mr. Echodu began his address by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the leaders and delegates from the Acholi subregion for their hospitality and unwavering dedication to the party. He acknowledged their active participation in the recently concluded internal elections and praised their continued commitment to strengthening the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Although contesting for the Vice Chairperson position representing Eastern Uganda on the Central Executive Committee (CEC), Mr. Echodu emphasized that his vision was national in scope. “The strength of our party lies in the unity and wisdom we share across all regions,” he noted, stressing that the future of the NRM depends on national cohesion and collective purpose.
One of the key messages of Mr. Echodu’s speech was his desire to revitalize grassroots involvement in the party. He promised to uplift young leaders, encourage inclusive participation at all levels, and foster an NRM that listens and acts—not only during elections but every single day. “Our party must not be a party of only elections, but a living movement that listens, includes, and transforms lives,” he declared.
Mr. Echodu also committed to building stronger bridges between Eastern Uganda and other parts of the country, underscoring that unity and collaboration between regions can lead to better trade, infrastructure, and peace. “When Eastern Uganda is stable and productive, the ripple effect touches Northern Uganda and the whole country,” he emphasized.
A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Mr. Echodu pledged to promote skills training, ideological education, and startup support through structured programs and SACCOS within each league. He tied his message closely to President Museveni’s vision of wealth creation, particularly through the Parish Development Model (PDM), urging local leaders to take ownership in its implementation.
To create a stronger connection between party leadership and the younger generation, he proposed the launch of regular dialogue forums in all subregions. “If we don’t build the future generation, we are weakening the foundation of our Movement,” he warned.
Addressing internal party dynamics, Mr. Echodu called for a stronger and more efficient internal dispute resolution mechanism. He emphasized the need for quick resolution of primary election conflicts and advocated for free and fair internal processes. “The greatest loyalty to our party is to speak truth and build harmony where confusion threatens our unity,” he asserted.
He concluded his remarks by assuring the Acholi delegates that, if elected, he would remain accessible, open to ideas, and committed to serving all regions equally. “I may come from Soroti in the East, but I walk with the heart of a Ugandan who believes that no region is greater than the other, and together we rise,” he affirmed.
Mr. Echodu’s message resonated with hope, unity, and preparation for the future. “The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Together, let us prepare an NRM that will not just win elections, but win hearts, transform lives, and build a lasting legacy.”
All district chairpersons of Acholi West embraced Mr. Echodu’s message of re-energizing the party and pledged their full support for his candidature. The endorsement event was not only a significant political moment but also a symbol of cross-regional solidarity within the ruling party.
Echodu’s message was met with applause and seemed to reinforce the trust and confidence Northern Uganda’s delegates have in his leadership. As 2026 approaches, Mr. Calvin Echodu has firmly positioned himself as a bridge-builder with a compelling and inclusive vision for the future of the NRM.
