In the heart of Eastern Uganda, the political heat is rising, not because of healthy competition, but because of the double standards and intimidation tactics of Captain Mike Mukula and his political machinery.
For a week now, Mukula and his team have been up in arms, accusing His Highness Papa Won Ateker Raphael Otaya of “political meddling.” His crime? Attending the homecoming ceremony of Mr. Echodu, a politician not aligned with Mukula’s camp.
But the hypocrisy is glaring for all to see, When Mukula parades himself alongside respected cultural figures like Papa Emorimor, no one dares to cry foul, Cameras roll, speeches are made, and Mukula soaks in the cultural validation. Suddenly, when Papa Won Ateker does the same, the Constitution is weaponized against him.
This is not about the law. This is about fear.
Mukula’s camp is scrambling because the ground is shifting. Mr. Echodu’s growing popularity, endorsed by both cultural icons and grassroots voices, threatens the political status quo Mukula has long enjoyed. Instead of embracing a fair contest, Mukula’s strategy now relies on personal attacks, twisted narratives, and smear campaigns designed to intimidate anyone who stands in their way.
From launching corruption allegations against respected figures like former Ambassador Ocheger to demonizing Caroline Angolere for expressing her support for Echodu, Mukula’s playbook is clear: discredit, divide, and conquer.
But perhaps the most dangerous move yet is his push to create a puppet cultural institution, loyal not to the people, but to his political ambitions. This is not leadership; it is manipulation.
The Kumam community deserves better than to be turned into pawns in a game of political chess.
Article 246 of Uganda’s Constitution is clear: cultural leaders must remain non-partisan. But non-partisan does not mean voiceless, It does not mean cultural leaders must lock themselves away in palaces, afraid to offer wisdom to their people. Mukula knows this, yet he chooses to mislead the public,hoping to silence those who dare to speak truth to power.
It Is time to call out these tactics for what they are: fear, intimidation, and disrespect for the traditions and values that hold communities together.
The people of Eastern Uganda are awake now. They see through the noise, the threats, and the stage-managed scandals. They yearn for politics that respect elders, uphold culture, and put the people’s needs above personal ambitions.
Mukula may try to divide, but the spirit of unity is stronger. The people are watching, listening, and preparing to vote, not based on propaganda, but on the leaders who walk with them, speak for them, and respect their heritage.
Opinion Author is Mr. Augustine Otuko.
