Businessman-turned-politician Calvin Echodu has pledged to rebuild the link between the National Resistance Movement (NRM) leadership in Eastern Uganda and its grassroots structures if elected as the party’s Vice Chairperson for the region.

Echodu, who joined the race in July after being nominated by the NRM Electoral Commission, is challenging long-serving incumbent Capt. Mike Mukula in elections scheduled for Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the polls, Echodu criticized what he described as a breakdown in communication and cohesion within the region’s party structures.

“The problem with Eastern Uganda is the office of the vice chairperson. There has been a lack of connection with the grassroots structures. For example, the vice chairperson has not met with the chairman for the last five years. You cannot have a working arrangement without interaction,” Echodu said.

He promised to “restore that bridge” between party leaders and grassroots members to promote dialogue, identify challenges, and find collective solutions.

Echodu outlined his campaign agenda around empowering grassroots structures, engaging the youth, and driving economic development in Eastern Uganda. He said he would lobby for resources to facilitate mobilisation work, recruit and train young people to strengthen the NRM, and attract investments to create jobs and support community initiatives such as cooperatives and savings groups.

“We want to ensure grassroots leaders are empowered and facilitated to do their mobilisation work. At the same time, we need to recruit, train, and deploy youth so they are actively engaged in serving the party and the country,” he explained.

Reflecting on his campaign, Echodu noted that he had traversed most parts of the country meeting delegates, which gave him confidence in his chances of victory.

“Our message has been very simple and clear. Delegates have embraced it, and we are confident of a resounding win,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the NRM fraternity and the media for the support received during his consultations, adding:

“We are ready for tomorrow. I thank all delegates, chairmen, and party structures for their work. We look forward to celebrating together after these elections.”