By Mr Odeke
Echodu’s Amen Ward Rally Signals Growing Momentum as He Positions Himself as the Development Candidate for Soroti City West
NRM parliamentary candidate for Soroti City West Division, David Calvin Echodu, continued to strengthen his grip on the constituency on Thursday as he held one of his most vibrant and well-attended rallies in Amen Ward, sending a clear message that his campaign is rapidly gaining momentum. Unlike previous rallies dominated by political attacks from his opponents, Thursday’s gathering focused on unity, development, and Echodu’s bold vision for transforming Soroti City West.
The atmosphere in Amen Ward was electric as hundreds of residents, youth groups, women leaders, boda boda riders, and local opinion leaders lined the roads to welcome the NRM flagbearer. Many waved yellow flags, while others sang songs praising Echodu for choosing to spend his time in the grassroots rather than in offices or hotels—something they said their leaders rarely do.
Speaking during the rally, Echodu said Soroti City West has suffered years of stagnation due to poor planning, political pride, and lack of engagement between leaders and the community. He described himself as a servant-leader who values listening to the people and working with them to create lasting solutions.
“This election is not about noise or propaganda. It is about choosing between development and stagnation,” Echodu said, drawing applause from the crowd. “My commitment is simple—service delivery, opportunities for our young people, better roads, support for women, and ensuring government programs reach the right people.”
Echodu emphasized that his campaign is built on five pillars: youth empowerment, infrastructure development, education improvement, wealth creation, and strengthening community leadership structures. He noted that many residents, especially the youth, have been left jobless or underemployed because leaders have not provided the necessary support, mentorship, or access to government programs.
He promised to prioritize the establishment of skills development centers, push for improved healthcare services, and lobby for government investment in economic activities that can benefit ordinary people, such as small-scale agribusiness and youth cooperatives.
Community members who attended the rally said Echodu has proven that he is not just a politician but a leader with a genuine interest in the people’s welfare. Many of them praised his hands-on style of leadership—walking door-to-door, visiting homes, listening to community concerns, and personally mobilizing residents in different wards.
“Echodu is different. He comes to us, sits with us, and talks with us,” said Lucy Apio, a resident of Amen Ward. “We have never seen this kind of humility and closeness from someone seeking to represent us. We believe he will fight for our issues once he enters Parliament.”
Others noted that his campaign has brought renewed hope to residents who feel Soroti City West has not received its fair share of development despite its strategic position within the city.
Echodu also reminded residents that unity is essential for progress, urging them not to be divided by politics. He stressed that Soroti City West will only move forward if its leaders and communities work together toward shared goals.
As the contest intensifies between Echodu and incumbent FDC legislator Jonathan Ebwalu, many political observers say the NRM candidate’s increasing popularity in Amen and other wards is a sign that he is emerging as the leading candidate in one of Teso’s most closely watched races.
Echodu concluded the rally with a message of hope and determination:
“Let us remain focused. Let us protect our unity. Together, Soroti City West can rise higher than ever before. I am ready to serve, and I am ready to deliver.”
