NRM’s David Calvin Echodu Returns to Teso for Grand Homecoming Amid Strong Backing for CEC Bid

The political atmosphere in Eastern Uganda is heating up ahead of the much-anticipated homecoming of David Calvin Echodu, the NRM City West flag bearer and aspirant for the party’s National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Arrow Square in Soroti City, the event is expected to draw massive crowds from across the Teso sub-region and beyond as NRM party structures and grassroots supporters rally behind a man they describe as a “redeemer of Eastern Uganda politics.”

According to Augustine Otuko, Acting Spokesperson of Echodu’s National Campaign Team for CEC, this homecoming marks Echodu’s first official return to Teso since announcing his historic bid for a seat on the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), as outlined in Chapter Five, Section 44 of the NRM Constitution.

The homecoming is not only symbolic but also strategic, a chance for Echodu to reconnect with the people, share his vision, and formally launch his regional mobilization efforts.

In the annals of Teso’s political transition, David Calvin Echodu’s name carries weight.

His allies recall his pivotal role in restoring NRM’s dominance in the region after the 2006 general elections, which saw the party lose substantial ground to the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).

“After the 2006 debacle, Mr. Echodu, under the spiritual guidance of the late Bishop Emeritus Papa Ilukor Geresemu, was instrumental in mobilizing support for President Museveni and all NRM candidates,” said Otuko.

“The result was a sweeping comeback for the party in the 2011 elections, particularly in parliamentary and district chairperson races.”

Team Echodu credits him with laying down strategic frameworks that helped reclaim political confidence among Teso’s electorate, emphasizing unity, grassroots mobilization, and development-focused leadership.

Beyond politics, Echodu is celebrated for his social impact, especially through his non-profit organization, Pilgrim.

Over the past two decades, Pilgrim has provided scholarships to more than 10,000 needy students, many of whom now serve the nation as doctors, teachers, engineers, and public administrators.

“These are not just numbers, they are families transformed, futures rewritten,” Otuko noted. “David believes education is the surest path out of poverty, and he’s walked the talk.”

Echodu’s influence also extends to the issue of cattle compensation, a long-standing grievance in Teso.

As the founder of the Teso Agricultural Productivity and Compensation Organization (TAPCO), he has been at the forefront of advocating for justice for families affected by cattle raids during past insurgencies.

“Over 15,000 beneficiaries have received compensation due to Echodu’s persistent negotiations with the government,” said Otuko.

“And he’s not stopping there, he wants every legitimate claimant, regardless of affiliation, to be compensated.”

In 2023, Echodu convened what many called a groundbreaking event, the first-ever NRM manifesto review meeting for local government leaders in Teso.

Attended by LC3s, LCVs, and NRM district and sub-county chairpersons from across Teso and parts of Bukedi, the meeting provided a platform for leaders to evaluate the progress of the 2021–2026 manifesto and identify local priorities.

The event, presided over by the NRM Deputy Secretary General, was widely praised for energizing the party’s grassroots structures and creating better policy alignment between national and local levels.

In addition to political strategy, Echodu has lent his support to cultural institutions in both Kumam and Iteso communities, as well as religious organizations across denominations.

“His inclusive approach has fostered unity and social cohesion,” said Richard Opio Edeket, NRM Chairperson Katakwi District.

Edeket, like several other NRM leaders, openly criticized Capt. Mike Mukula, the incumbent NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, blaming him for what they describe as the party’s waning influence in the region.

“Under Mukula, we lost Soroti City to the FDC, and infighting has become the order of the day,” Edeket stated.

“There are even opposition members willing to cross over if Mukula is shown the exit.”

This sentiment was echoed by Isaac Okello Omiat, NRM Chairperson of Amuria, who welcomed Echodu’s bid as a breath of fresh air.

“Echodu brings humility, unity, and a track record of impact,” said Omiat. “For too long, one individual has dominated the political space. We need leaders who listen, not dictate.”

Charles Elasu, NRM Chairman Soroti District and a former advisor to the President, was even more direct: “Despite the President’s generosity in appointing Iteso to key positions, our leaders have failed to deliver. It’s time for servant leadership, and Echodu represents that hope.”

The organizing committee for the homecoming, chaired by Peter Edeku Edepu, is confident of a large turnout on Saturday.

“We already have full support from 8 out of 11 party chairpersons in Teso,” Edeku revealed. “All 17 NRM sub-regions in Teso are represented in this effort. It’s not just a homecoming, it’s a movement.”

Edeku urged Christians, Muslims, business leaders, youth, women, and all citizens to attend the event.

“We shall welcome our son from Awoja Bridge to Soroti City with dignity and joy.”

He emphasized that Echodu’s campaign is not merely about replacing Mukula but about rejuvenating the NRM in Eastern Uganda, ensuring that the region regains its influence in national politics and development discourse.

With NRM internal elections approaching and questions looming over the party’s future in Eastern Uganda, Echodu’s candidacy has become a rallying point for change.

Supporters argue that his blend of humility, technocratic experience, and community development positions him as a unifying figure in a deeply fragmented region.

“Echodu’s return is more than political,” Otuko concluded. “It’s symbolic of a people ready to rise again, of a party ready to listen, and of a region ready to lead.”

The homecoming of David Calvin Echodu will take place at Arrow Square, Soroti City on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Delegations from across Teso and neighboring regions are expected to attend.