Soroti City — A major political mobilisation event unfolded in Soroti City this week as retired Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (DCD), Gen Peter Elwelu, joined National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers to mobilise support ahead of the 2026 General Election in what remains a stronghold of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the Teso sub-region.
The appearance by Gen Elwelu — a prominent retired military figure — underscored the ruling party’s push to secure votes in an area historically dominated by the opposition. Supporters and residents gathered to hear messages of unity, development and loyalty to the ruling movement.
Among those campaigning was David Calvin Echodu, the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, who is contesting the Soroti City West parliamentary seat. Echodu is facing off against the incumbent MP, Jonathan Ebwalu, an FDC-leaning independent representative in a high-profile local contest.
Addressing the crowd, Echodu reiterated his commitment to transformative leadership, calling on residents to prioritise development over political rhetoric.
“People need leaders who act, not those who lie every election season… Our people need development, good roads, reliable water, electricity, and industries that can create employment for our youth,” he said in a previous rally report covered by Nile Post.
At that same rally, Gen Elwelu praised Echodu as a unifying figure who understands the struggles faced by ordinary citizens and urged voters to rally behind his vision.
“Teso now has a leader who is clean, caring, and committed to uplifting the poor… He is a man of unity, a man of action, and a man who will take Teso to a better level where others before him have failed,” Elwelu said to loud cheers from supporters.
The intensification of campaigns in Soroti comes amid broader national mobilisation by the NRM, with the party leadership urging local structures to ramp up efforts in both rural and urban areas as the election draws closer. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recently launched village-level campaigns across the country to deepen voter outreach, emphasising peace, stability and continuity of development.
Soroti City has historically been considered an FDC stronghold, with opposition candidates winning key seats in recent elections. However, the entry of high-profile NRM figures into campaign efforts reflects a strategic push by the ruling party to make inroads into traditionally competitive constituencies.
As the 2026 polls approach, observers say the Soroti City West parliamentary race between Echodu and Ebwalu — intensified by national party dynamics and local political sentiments — will be closely watched as a barometer of shifting allegiances in Eastern Uganda.
