Mukula Speaks: “Why Supporting My Son’s Independent Candidacy Is Constitutional”

 December 26, 2025   |    81 views

By Our Reporter

SOROTI CITY — Veteran politician and senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadre, Flight Captain Mike Mukula, has publicly declared his full and unconditional support for his son, Rodney Akongel Mukula, who is seeking election as Member of Parliament for Soroti City East (2026–2031) as an independent candidate.

In a strongly worded statement blending personal conviction, constitutional law, and democratic principle, Capt. Mukula framed his endorsement as both a father’s moral duty and a defence of citizens’ political rights.

“A Father Before a Politician”

Capt. Mukula, who previously served as Member of Parliament for Soroti Municipality (now Soroti City) and NRM National Vice Chairman for Eastern Region, revealed that he initially discouraged his son from joining active politics.
Drawing from decades of experience, he cited the personal and family costs associated with political life. However, he said Rodney’s persistence, independence of thought, and commitment to public service ultimately convinced the family to rally behind him.

“That independence of mind is itself a leadership quality,” Mukula noted, adding that the family has since resolved to support Rodney fully.

Independent Candidacy Rooted in the Constitution

Mukula anchored his support firmly in the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, emphasizing that Rodney’s decision to contest as an independent candidate is lawful and legitimate.

He cited Article 38(1), which guarantees every Ugandan the right to participate in the affairs of government, and Article 72, which recognizes Uganda’s multiparty political system while preserving the right to run as an independent.
“Nowhere does the Constitution criminalize or delegitimize independent candidacy,” Mukula stated.

Independent Does Not Mean Opposition

Addressing misconceptions surrounding independent candidates, Mukula clarified that being independent does not equate to opposing government or ruling party policies.
He referenced Article 83 of the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of Parliament, which fully recognize independent Members of Parliament, granting them speaking rights, committee membership, and voting powers.

Mukula noted that Uganda’s current Parliament includes dozens of independent MPs, many of whom support government legislation and even voluntarily contribute to the ruling party.

NRM Roots, Structural Challenges

According to Mukula, Rodney was raised within the NRM ideological framework and subscribes to its national vision. However, he said his son encountered serious internal challenges within the party’s primary process in Soroti City East.
Rather than participate in what he described as divisive and credibility-damaging practices, Rodney opted to seek a direct mandate from voters.
“He chose a cleaner, constitutional path — to present himself directly to the people,” Mukula said.

A Growing National Trend

Mukula pointed to the 2021 general elections, where over 70 independent MPs were elected, many defeating official party flag bearers.

He described this trend as a sign of political maturity, noting that voters are increasingly prioritizing competence, integrity, and individual merit over party labels.

Sovereignty Belongs to the People

Quoting Article 1 of the Constitution, Mukula emphasized that all political authority derives from citizens, not political parties.
“Political parties do not own constituencies; citizens do,” he stressed.

Confidence in the Will of Soroti City East

Concluding his statement, Capt. Mukula struck a tone of unity, declaring support for both President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his son’s political aspirations.
“As a father, I support my son. As a constitutionalist, I defend his right. As a democrat, I trust the people of Soroti City East,” Mukula said.
He expressed confidence that the electorate’s will would prevail lawfully, peacefully, and decisively.

FLT Capt. Mike Mukula

Senior NRM Cardre

 National Chairman of the Pan-African Movement (Uganda Chapter).