Africa-Press – Uganda. Daniel Mulalu, the private secretary to President Museveni and Executive Director of the Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, has declared his intention to contest in the 2025 National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the Ngariam County parliamentary seat, ending weeks of speculation over his political plans.
Speaking from Katakwi on Thursday, Mulalu confirmed he would run under the NRM banner and dismissed as “baseless” claims that he planned to contest as an independent candidate.
“I am going to contest under the NRM, and I am confident I will win with a big margin,” Mulalu said.
“Those propagandists will be ashamed. The President has already cleared my resignation letter, and I am coming. I call upon the people of Ngariam not to participate in election violence.”
Mulalu’s announcement is likely to shake up an already tense race in Ngariam, where he is expected to face stiff competition from incumbent MP and Junior Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, as well as fellow State House official Augustine Otuko.
His confirmation follows a strategic silence that had fuelled speculation in political circles and on social media.
Now, with his loyalty to the NRM firmly stated, Mulalu is seeking to position himself as a unifier and development-oriented alternative to the current leadership.
A long-serving mobiliser in the ruling party, Mulalu traced his political involvement back to 2011 and highlighted his contributions to the NRM National Taskforce representing Teso and Karamoja sub-regions.
“I work directly under the Office of the President, who is also the National Chairman of the NRM Party,” he said.
“I have been actively involved in NRM mobilization since 2011. My track record is clear, and the people know who I am and what I stand for.”
He accused his political rivals of orchestrating a misinformation campaign intended to erode his credibility, claiming that they are “afraid of his popularity and influence.”
“Let the people of Ngariam listen to me directly or read my verified statements,” he said. “Political cowards are circulating falsehoods because they fear what I represent—change, service, and a youth-driven agenda.”
Mulalu also called on candidates to elevate the standard of political engagement in Ngariam by focusing on policy and service delivery.
“Let them come and tell the people what they plan to do. Let’s debate development, health, roads, youth employment—not lies and character assassination,” he urged.
His remarks come after the recent NRM grassroots elections, which he described as a “people’s victory” and a sign of the community’s support for his philosophy of work and empowerment.
“We massively won by an overwhelming 89%, despite the money that was spent. That brings joy to me,” he said. “Those who wanted to cause confusion were put to shame by God.”
Mulalu linked the grassroots victory to the popularity of his Kazi Ni Kazi Foundation, which promotes youth empowerment, job creation, and vocational training in the Teso sub-region.
He said the foundation’s success demonstrates that the people are demanding issue-based leadership rooted in action and transformation.
“It shows that the people understand who is with them and who is not,” he said. “The leaders elected in these grassroots polls are champions of service and transformation.”
Mulalu said his decision to enter the race is not personal but grounded in a desire to scale up the work of his foundation through legislative influence.
“Kazi Ni Kazi is not just a slogan. It’s a movement to empower our people through work, dignity, and opportunity,” he said.
“I am entering this race to amplify that vision and bring services closer to our communities.”
Despite the mounting political tension, Mulalu called for peace and cautioned supporters against any form of violence or intimidation.
“Let us not allow elections to divide us. Ngariam is our home, and we all want to see it move forward. Let’s compete with ideas, not fists,” he said.
With President Museveni having approved his resignation from the State House role, Mulalu is now expected to begin his campaign in earnest in the coming weeks.
His entry sets the stage for a heated NRM primary in Ngariam, one that observers believe could redefine political allegiances in the Teso sub-region.
As one of the youngest and most vocal figures to declare interest in the seat, Mulalu’s candidacy is likely to energise the youth vote and attract attention from both party leadership and the national political establishment.
What remains to be seen is whether his grassroots appeal and development agenda will be enough to unseat entrenched rivals.
But as he prepares to enter the arena, Mulalu appears determined to reshape the narrative and offer Ngariam what he calls “a fresh start through service, not slogans.”
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