A wave of political energy swept through Silver Peak Hotel in Lira City as hundreds of enthusiastic NRM supporters, local leaders, and team members gathered to endorse David Calvin Echodu for the influential position of NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda.
The rally, held amidst vibrant displays of party colors and energized chants, confirmed Echodu’s growing momentum ahead of the highly anticipated NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections.
At the heart of the event was a call for rejuvenated leadership, with speakers from across the Lango sub-region voicing their confidence in Echodu’s capacity to steer the party towards greater inclusivity, grassroots mobilization, and policy relevance.
“David Calvin Echodu is the new energy our party needs,” said Father Alfred Okello Junior of Dokolo district.
“His leadership will revitalize NRM structures and ensure Eastern Uganda’s voice is not just heard but prioritized in national decisions.”
Oyam district’s Hon. Stella Anyango added, “His vision is inspiring. David’s ability to connect with ordinary people, to listen, and to act, gives us hope. We are behind him fully because we believe in his agenda for renewal and empowerment.”
This groundswell of support in the Lango sub-region underscores a critical phase in Echodu’s campaign.
As he traverses the Eastern Region, stretching from Busoga to Teso, he is positioning himself as a unifying figure with a forward-thinking agenda anchored in economic empowerment, youth involvement, and service delivery.
David Calvin Echodu’s candidacy comes at a time when Eastern Uganda is grappling with a mix of political reorganization and developmental challenges.
His message of accountability, regional empowerment, and mobilization of party structures is particularly resonant among younger voters and those advocating for infrastructural improvements and better public services.
Among the top concerns in the region, and indeed across Uganda, is access to clean and safe water, a service that remains elusive for millions of citizens.
Recent data reveals that only 19% of Ugandans have access to safe drinking water, despite about 81% having access to improved water sources such as boreholes or protected springs.
The disparity is more pronounced in rural areas, where water systems frequently break down due to lack of maintenance, and climate variability impacts seasonal availability.
The economic consequences are stark: inadequate investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) costs Uganda nearly 3% of its GDP, according to the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC).
This underlines the need for stronger policy advocacy and leadership that prioritizes clean water and sanitation as a national imperative.
Echodu has not only pledged to energize the party base but also to champion community-level development priorities if elected to the NRM CEC.
His manifesto reportedly includes calls for stronger coordination between party structures and government programs on essential services, like water infrastructure, education, and agricultural support.
At the Lira rally, his message was clear: “Eastern Uganda must not lag behind. We must lead in ideas, in innovation, and in delivery.”
Supporters believe that his corporate background and regional activism equip him with a unique blend of organizational skill and political insight to bridge gaps in service delivery and citizen engagement.
The endorsement event featured not only speeches but also strategy sessions, youth forums, and cultural performances, reflecting Echodu’s emphasis on community inclusion and participatory politics.
As the NRM gears up for its internal elections ahead of the 2026 general polls, the contest for Eastern Region Vice Chairperson is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races.
With high-profile figures expected to vie for the position, Echodu’s early momentum in Lango sets the stage for an intensive campaign trail.
Political analysts note that the Eastern Region, home to diverse ethnic blocs and strategic electoral weight, will play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s broader national outlook.
Whoever clinches the Vice Chairperson position will not only guide the NRM’s regional political strategy but also influence national policy debates through the powerful CEC.
As chants of “Let’s support David Calvin Echodu, the future of our party depends on it!” echoed through the Silver Peak Hotel, the message from Lango was unmistakable: the region is ready to champion a candidate they believe will translate political influence into real development outcomes.
Additional Reporting: Ankole Times
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