By KT Reporter
David Calvin Echodu’s bid for the Soroti City West parliamentary seat has captured political attention across Eastern Uganda. Recently appointed National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Echodu has not only risen through the party ranks but also unseated seasoned politician Capt. Mike Mukula—a move that has solidified his credentials and set the stage for his parliamentary ambitions.
But Echodu’s rise has not been a solo journey. Behind him stands a coalition of influential Teso leaders whose support has been instrumental in shaping his political trajectory. Edmund Elasu, a presidential advisor, has emerged as one of the most pivotal figures. Known for his strategic influence in Teso politics, Elasu rallied support for Echodu, emphasizing the need for unity and accountability.
He has been vocal about past leadership failures, lamenting the neglect of essential services such as healthcare and infrastructure. “We must work together to improve the lives of the people of Teso, not serve personal gains,” Elasu stated, framing Echodu’s campaign as a movement for genuine regional development.
Another key player is Teddy Acam, NRM Mobilizer for the Teso sub-region. A respected party cadre, Acam has actively mobilized grassroots support, highlighting the frustrations of the electorate with leaders who offer promises without results. “It’s time to fulfill the needs of the people, not just make empty promises,” she said, reinforcing Echodu’s message of accountability and service delivery.
Nelson Ocheger, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, also lent his influence, traveling across the country to boost Echodu’s visibility. His endorsement not only raised Echodu’s profile but also signaled credibility, encouraging Teso residents to back a candidate genuinely committed to regional progress and the NRM manifesto. Even Rtd. Gen. Peter Elwelu, former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, publicly threw his weight behind Echodu. Praising his humility and accessibility, Elwelu described Echodu as a leader capable of guiding Teso out of poverty, contrasting him with politicians who grow arrogant with power.
With this formidable support network, Echodu mounted a serious challenge against Capt. Mike Mukula, who had backing from other influential figures, including Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among. Despite Mukula’s early momentum, Echodu’s coalition pressed on, ultimately leading to Mukula’s withdrawal from the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections in August at Kololo, Kampala, citing widespread corruption, voter bribery, and reckless expenditure.
Echodu himself remains focused on action over rhetoric. “I stand before you to change the game of leadership—no more empty promises, no blame cycles,” he told supporters. His campaign prioritizes service delivery and accountability, insisting that leaders must serve the people rather than personal interests. As the race for the Soroti City West parliamentary seat heats up, David Calvin Echodu faces stiff competition from candidates including Patrick Anoku (Independent), Emmanuel Elau (NUP), and Jonathan Ebwalu (FDC), the incumbent he contested in 2021. With a dedicated team of influential backers and a clear vision for Teso, Echodu is positioning himself to reclaim the seat and usher in a new era of leadership—a movement he brands the “New Energy.”
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