Ooh No!! Delegates Left Disappointed After Attending “NRM Day” That Turned Into Mukula Campaign Rally

What was advertised as an official NRM Day celebration turned out to be something else entirely — a political platform for Mike Mukula. Delegates who showed up expecting a national commemoration of the ruling party’s legacy were left disappointed and angry after realizing the event had been rebranded to promote Mukula’s personal political agenda.

Dressed in yellow and singing party anthems, attendees anticipated a program featuring speeches from senior NRM leaders and a celebration of the party’s achievements. Instead, they were met with what many described as a campaign event focused solely on Mukula.

“We came for NRM Day, not to be part of a Mike Mukula rally,” one delegate said bluntly. Another echoed the sentiment: “We thought this was a national party event, not a cleverly disguised political campaign.”

The incident has sparked backlash, particularly among NRM supporters in Eastern Uganda who feel deceived. For years, NRM Day has been a unifying event celebrating the party’s milestones. This shift in focus has left many questioning how a single politician could appropriate such an occasion for personal gain.

By branding the event as “NRM Day,” Mukula’s team gave it a veneer of official endorsement. However, as the program unfolded, it became clear that the spotlight was not on the party’s legacy — but on Mukula himself.

While some may interpret the move as a bold political strategy, critics argue it was a serious miscalculation. The episode has raised concerns about ethics, transparency, and the manipulation of party structures for individual ambitions. If a candidate must rely on misleading branding to draw crowds, it casts doubt on the authenticity of their support.

With the NRM’s internal elections approaching, the controversy could impact perceptions of unity and leadership within the party. Questions are now swirling: Was this an example of political strength — or a signal of desperation?

What remains clear is that many delegates left feeling betrayed. They came to celebrate the NRM’s legacy — not to be part of a repurposed campaign rally. And that distinction has not gone unnoticed.