By KT Reporter
The State Minister for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth Oboth, has pledged to secure meaningful representation for Bukedi in the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s top leadership, citing long-standing marginalization as a cause of the region’s poverty and underdevelopment.
Declaring his intention to contest for NRM CEC Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Oboth said his campaign is rooted in a commitment to restoring Bukedi’s voice at the national level by ending its prolonged exclusion from the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC). He emphasized that the region’s persistent socio-economic struggles are closely linked to this lack of representation.
He promised to push for development-focused leadership, guided by compassion and integrity, rather than what he described as the politics of deceit that have defined the current leadership. He also vowed to promote inclusive representation within Eastern Uganda and counter narratives that he believes fuel tribalism and division.
“I am not a greedy politician; I am driven by passion and compassion for my people,” he said, rejecting media claims—especially from Voice of Teso FM and East News—that he had stepped down in favor of incumbent Capt. Mike Mukula.
Oboth dismissed such reports as “baseless and insulting,” arguing that they aim to stir tribal tensions and undermine legitimate competition. “This politics of deceit must come to an end,” he asserted, clarifying that he has never engaged with Mukula or his team and remains actively involved in consultations and mobilization.
Though he has yet to collect nomination forms, Oboth Oboth reaffirmed his commitment to contesting the position, promising integrity, transparency, and a people-centered agenda. Meanwhile, the race has drawn other contenders, including David Calvin Echodu, who has pledged to fight poverty through SACCOs and youth empowerment, and Dr. Musa Lumumba. Mukula, who has held the post for years, has not responded publicly to Oboth’s remarks.
His campaign handler, Bernard Eumu, dismissed the comments as attempts to tarnish Mukula’s image. The contest for the CEC Chairperson for Eastern Uganda is seen as pivotal, as the position shapes the NRM’s policy and direction at the national level-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
