By Mr Odeke
Gen. Peter Elwelu Joins Soroti City NRM Flag Bearers to Boost Support for President Museveni Ahead of 2026 Elections
Former Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Peter Elwelu, has joined National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers in Soroti City to amplify the party’s mobilization efforts as campaigns for the 2026 General Election intensify across the country. Gen. Elwelu’s presence in the region has injected fresh energy into the ruling party’s strategy to reclaim Soroti City, a constituency long regarded as a stronghold of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the Teso sub-region.
Soroti City has been politically significant for years, with the FDC commanding deep-rooted support from the grassroots. As a result, the NRM’s push to strengthen its visibility and message in the area is considered crucial in its broader strategy to secure votes not only for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni but also for NRM parliamentary and local government candidates.
During a series of mobilization meetings held with party leaders, opinion leaders, and residents, Gen. Elwelu emphasized the importance of unity, discipline, and consistency in political messaging. He urged NRM leaders to prioritize community engagement, address local challenges directly, and articulate the government’s achievements clearly to voters. According to Gen. Elwelu, the NRM’s record in security, infrastructure expansion, social development programs, and economic empowerment remains a strong foundation for winning back the support of communities in Soroti City.
“The people of Teso have always stood for peace, development, and progress,” Gen. Elwelu said during one of the gatherings. “Our role as leaders is to ensure that the message of stability, opportunity, and service delivery reaches every household. The NRM has delivered for Uganda, and we must work together to secure continuity.”
Among the key political figures in Soroti City is David Calvin Echodu, the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda and the party’s flag bearer for Soroti City West. Echodu is engaged in a high-stakes contest with the incumbent MP, Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu of the FDC. Ebwalu remains popular among segments of the electorate, making the race one of the most closely watched political battles in the region.
Echodu welcomed Gen. Elwelu’s involvement in the mobilization efforts, noting that the retired general brings experience, credibility, and strong connections at both national and grassroots levels. He expressed confidence that with coordinated teamwork, the NRM stands a strong chance of shifting political dynamics in Soroti City ahead of 2026.
“General Elwelu’s guidance and support mean a lot to us as we work to strengthen our structures and reconnect with the people,” Echodu said. “Our focus is service delivery, youth empowerment, employment creation, and ensuring that development reaches every corner of Soroti City West.”
As campaigns gain momentum, analysts note that the NRM’s aggressive mobilization in traditional opposition territories represents a deliberate strategy by the ruling party to expand its influence. With Soroti City being a symbolic political battleground, the involvement of high-profile figures such as Gen. Elwelu signals the seriousness with which the party is approaching the 2026 race.
Residents have begun to witness increased political activity, with voter engagements, community meetings, and door-to-door campaigns becoming more frequent. Many anticipate a heated contest as both the NRM and FDC intensify their efforts to solidify support ahead of the general elections.
With the political temperature rising, Soroti City is poised to be one of the defining battlegrounds in the Teso region as Ugandans prepare for the 2026 polls.
