Hon. Capt. Mike Mukula Outlines the Role of the NRM Central Executive Committee as He Seeks Another Term (2025–2030)

Hon. Capt. Mike Mukula, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) National Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region and a long-serving member of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), has reaffirmed the strategic significance of the CEC in steering the political and ideological course of Uganda’s ruling party. Speaking about his renewed bid for another five-year term in office (2025–2030), Capt. Mukula emphasized that the CEC stands as the highest policy organ of the NRM, functioning as the party’s “strategic and ideological nerve center.”

He noted that the CEC, established under the NRM Constitution, is not an operational or administrative wing but a high-level political and advisory body — akin to a politburo — whose principal duty is to provide oversight, strategic guidance, and ideological direction for both the party and the nation.

“The CEC’s role is eyes on, hands off,” Mukula stressed. “We are not implementers of government programs, nor do we manage budgets or capital projects. Our role is to ensure that the Movement stays true to its revolutionary mission while providing strategic guidance to address national challenges.”

A Think Tank for Policy and Ideology 

According to Mukula, the CEC serves primarily as the NRM’s think tank, deliberating on policies, ideological clarity, internal cohesion, and the party’s strategic political positioning. It ensures that all decisions align with the Movement’s founding pillars — patriotism, democracy, socio-economic transformation, and pan-Africanism.

Among its key functions are:

Formulation of Party Policy – The CEC develops and reviews positions that guide how the NRM engages with government institutions and the public.

Strategic Oversight – It monitors the political environment, anticipating and responding to national trends and citizen concerns.

Advisory Role – The CEC advises the Party Chairman, who also serves as Head of State, on governance, political stability, and policy priorities.

Coordination of Party Structures – Ensuring lower party organs operate effectively and within the NRM Constitution.

Conflict Resolution and Discipline – Addressing intra-party disputes and enforcing discipline to preserve unity.

A Distinct Role from Government Operations

Mukula was categorical that the CEC’s mandate does not include the day-to-day running of government ministries, departments, or agencies. It does not manage public funds or directly supervise infrastructure development. Instead, it acts as a political compass, setting the ideological and strategic direction that informs government policy while respecting the separation between party leadership and administrative execution.

Guarding the NRM’s Revolutionary Mission

In Mukula’s view, the CEC’s greatest strength lies in its thought leadership — providing the intellectual and ideological foundation for the party’s long-term vision. This includes interpreting the NRM Constitution, safeguarding its core values, and adapting strategies to meet the evolving aspirations of the Ugandan people.

“The CEC is the guardian ovf our Movement’s ideological purity,” he remarked. “We must ensure that the NRM remains united, principled, and responsive to the changing needs of the nation.” 

Mukula’s 2025–2030 Bid

As he seeks re-election for another term as NRM National Vice Chairperson Eastern Region, Mukula is positioning himself as a seasoned political strategist with the experience and commitment to strengthen the CEC’s role. He pledges to continue fostering unity within the party, championing policies that promote socio-economic transformation, and ensuring that Eastern Uganda remains an integral voice in national decision-making.

With his deep understanding of the CEC’s constitutional mandate and his strong advocacy for ideological discipline, Mukula presents himself not just as a regional leader, but as a custodian of the Movement’s political soul.