The political atmosphere in Soroti City West intensified on Wednesday as Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, delivered a fiery message while campaigning for NRM parliamentary candidate David Calvin Echodu in Orwadai Ward.
His remarks drew attention across the city, energizing NRM supporters while stirring debate among political observers.
Addressing a large crowd gathered to welcome Echodu on his second day of official campaigns, Gen. Elwelu began with an expression of gratitude to God for the gift of life and for sustaining the people of Soroti City.
“First, I thank God for giving us life, for giving life to the people of Soroti and to David Calvin Echodu. Without God, we are nothing,” he said as supporters cheered.
In one of the most striking statements of the day, Gen. Elwelu likened political opposition to rebellion against divine order.
“Opposition against government started in heaven,” he proclaimed. “Whoever is opposing government today is doing the work of the devil.”
The general argued that genuine leadership is ordained and that those who continuously fight established authority hinder development.
He challenged residents of Soroti City West to reflect on what progress Opposition leaders had delivered over the years.
“For the last years, what development have you got here? This election is not for playing or for politics as usual. This is an election of preparation for what will come. For the future. Elect leaders who can make calls to big people, not leaders whose focus is on eating,” he said, urging voters to choose leaders with influence, networks, and capacity.
Gen. Elwelu warned that President Museveni’s seventh term, which the NRM is aggressively mobilizing for, would be strictly about service delivery, not personal benefit or patronage.
“Gone are the days of voting leaders to eat. This term is not for eating, it is for service. If you have been playing, I want to tell you, playing is over.”
He encouraged Soroti City West residents to vote for candidates who are disciplined, visionary, and focused on unity.
The retired general went on to declare that after conducting independent assessments, he found Echodu to be the most suitable candidate not only for Soroti City West but for the entire Teso region.
“I have done research about Echodu. He is the only perfect candidate in the whole of Teso. I will not attend any other campaign rally apart from Echodu’s. He is the only one preaching peace and unity,” Elwelu said.
He criticized other politicians in Teso for promoting division and tribal differences, saying that such leaders undermine the region’s potential.
“Some leaders are preaching division and ethnicity. Echodu is the formidable force. When he contested for the position of Vice Chairperson NRM, I visited him and prayed for him to win because he is a savior,” the general added.
In his address, David Calvin Echodu commended Gen. Elwelu for standing by him and applauded the people of Orwadai for turning up in huge numbers.
He assured the electorate that once given the mandate, he would ensure all government pledges to Soroti City West are fulfilled.
“Once elected, I will follow up all pledges under NRM and ensure the Manifesto is fully implemented. I serve with commitment, and I will not let you down,” he said.
Echodu reiterated that Soroti City West needs development-driven leadership, not tribal rhetoric or false promises.
“People of Soroti don’t eat tribalism. They don’t eat lies. They want development. I have come to change Soroti City and the entire Teso region. We must move forward,” he stated.
He encouraged residents to vote overwhelmingly for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and all NRM flag bearers to consolidate the party’s development agenda.
Speaking before Echodu, John Enomu, the NRM Chairperson for Soroti City, asked the people of Orwadai to rally behind the candidate he described as a redeemer.
“Vote for Echodu David Calvin, he is a redeemer for Soroti City West. We have suffered poor service delivery for decades under the Opposition,” Enomu said.
He reminded residents of the persistent struggles faced under Opposition leadership, including slow infrastructure progress, limited government funding, and poor coordination with central government ministries.
“NRM is here to correct that. Echodu is the bridge that will connect Soroti to real development,” he added.
The Orwadai rally showcased a united NRM front in Soroti City, with youth groups, women’s councils, boda boda riders, and local leaders all pledging their support.
As Echodu’s campaign trail continues into more wards this week, NRM strategists believe Gen. Elwelu’s powerful endorsement could significantly shift momentum in their favor.
With the race heating up against incumbent FDC MP Jonathan Ebwalu, independent candidate Patrick Anoku, and the NUP contender, Wednesday’s rally has set a new tone in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive parliamentary contests in Teso.
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