In a decisive political victory, State Minister for Transport and Amuria County MP, Musa Francis Ecweru, emerged triumphant in the hotly contested race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) district chairmanship in Amuria.
The elections, held among 579 delegates drawn from 18 sub-counties, ended with Ecweru securing a commanding 516 votes, leaving his two rivals, incumbent Isaac Okello Omiat and challenger Samuel Eukot Lasamo, tied at a distant 26 votes each.
The d’stric’ NRM registrar, John Peter Erabu, officially declared Ecweru the winner at a charged event that showcased the minister’s political clout and grassroots influence.
The election was preceded by candidates presenting their manifestos to the delegates, a rare chance for the party’s base to hear directly from the aspirants before casting their votes.
Ecweru, leveraging both his cabinet portfolio and long-standing parliamentary service, promised a leadership rooted in transparency and accountability. “The people of Amuria voted for transparency and dignity, which I represent,” he declared in his victory speech, drawing applause from supporters who filled the venue.
His competitors, though thoroughly defeated, demonstrated grace in concession. Omiat, who was seeking another term, pledged to continue mobilizing support for the NRM and cited the party’s growing appeal, noting defections of key opposition figures such as Sam Ediau. Samuel Eukot, on his part, vowed to remain a voice for the people and rally behind the new leadership.
Yet, it was Ecweru’s post-election gesture that captured headlines and sealed his win with a symbolic act of loyalty to the party.
In a historic move, the minister announced the donation of a plot of land for the construction of the first-ever permanent NRM office in Amuria district. The announcement sparked celebrations among delegates, many of whom had spent decades operating without a formal office space for party affairs.
“For over 30 years, the NRM in Amuria has operated out of rented premises. That ends now,” Ecweru proclaimed. “We need a permanent home for our party, a symbol of our legacy and commitment to this district.”
He revealed that an official handover ceremony will be organized soon, with NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong expected to officiate as the chief guest.
According to Ecweru, the establishment of a physical office will strengthen the party’s presence and streamline coordination ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Political observers say Ecweru’s landslide victory and land donation signal a renewed consolidation of power within the district, particularly in a region where political allegiance has often been fluid. “This win not only reaffirms his grip on Amuria but also positions him as a kingmaker in regional NRM politics,” said a senior party insider.
Ecweru’s leadership style, marked by pragmatism and a firm command of local dynamics, has long been credited with stabilizing the party’s footing in Teso sub-region.
His re-entry into grassroots politics through the chairmanship role is expected to bolster NRM’s campaign machinery at a time when the opposition is seeking to reclaim influence in eastern Uganda.
Looking ahead, the newly elected chairman pledged to work closely with the district’s new party structures to build a formidable base capable of delivering an overwhelming mandate for President Museveni and NRM in the next elections. “I am not just here to lead, I am here to unite, rebuild, and deliver results,” Ecweru affirmed.
As jubilation swept through the NRM ranks in Amuria, the message was clear: Ecweru’s win is not just a personal triumph, but a turning point in the district’s political evolution, ushering in an era of stronger party identity, local empowerment, and strategic readiness for the battles ahead.