The Minister of Defence, Hon. Markson Oboth Oboth, has officially withdrawn his bid to contest for the position of NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, throwing his support behind the incumbent, Capt. George Mike Mukula.

The development, confirmed by party insiders and Mukula himself, is expected to significantly shape the race for the Eastern region slot on the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) Central Executive Committee (CEC).

Sources indicate that the decision followed consultations among senior NRM cadres in Kampala who advised against having multiple high-level contenders from the same locality. Hon. Oboth Oboth and another aspiring candidate, Mr. Ofwono Opondo—who is seeking to represent older persons in Parliament—both hail from the same sub-region of Mulanda in Tororo District.

In an effort to maintain regional balance and fairness within the party’s internal leadership, it was reportedly agreed that only one candidate from the area should pursue a national-level post. Consequently, Hon. Oboth Oboth agreed to step aside in favor of Capt. Mukula.

When contacted, Capt. Mukula confirmed the development, saying, “Yes, it is true that Hon. Oboth Oboth has stepped down. I welcome the gesture and appreciate his commitment to party unity.”

The Defence Minister becomes the second high-profile figure to step down in support of Capt. Mukula’s re-election bid. Hon. Sanjay Tanna, who previously contested against Mukula in the 2021 party elections, has also opted not to run this year.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ofwono Opondo has been actively engaging elderly constituents across the Eastern region in his bid to join Parliament. His campaign is focused on advocating for increased support for senior citizens, including improved healthcare, housing, adult education, and a proposed monthly stipend of Shs 500,000.

Reliable sources suggest that President Yoweri Museveni played a role in facilitating the understanding between the candidates, emphasizing the need for cohesion and strategic alignment ahead of the party’s upcoming elections.

The withdrawal of Hon. Oboth Oboth is seen by analysts as a move that strengthens Capt. Mukula’s position as he seeks to retain the Eastern Vice Chairmanship, a seat he has held since 2010.