We Are Consulting The President! Calvin Echodu Breaks His Silence Following Gen Elwelu’s Arrest, Asks Teso People To Keep Calm

Soroti City West MP and NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu has spoken out following the developments surrounding the detention of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, assuring residents that regional leaders are engaging government authorities, including President Yoweri Museveni, to establish what is happening. His message comes as former government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo raises the possibility that Elwelu's situation could involve a negotiated understanding with the military leadership.

Echodu said the news surrounding Elwelu had caused anxiety across Teso, particularly because of the region's history of armed conflict and insecurity. He revealed that several political and opinion leaders had contacted him seeking clarification about reports of a possible security threat and the allegations involving the former deputy Chief of Defence Forces.

The MP explained that he and other senior leaders had started consultations with relevant government institutions to understand the circumstances surrounding Elwelu's detention and determine the seriousness of the reported security concerns. He also confirmed that President Museveni had been informed about the worries being expressed by people in the region.

Echodu appealed to residents of Teso and Ugandans generally to remain calm while the consultations continue. He warned against spreading unverified information or making inflammatory statements that could create unnecessary fear. At the same time, he called for a speedy and transparent inquiry so that the public can understand the facts behind the developments.

Meanwhile, Opondo has offered a different interpretation of Elwelu's situation, suggesting that it may not necessarily represent a confrontation between the retired general and the military leadership. The former government spokesperson claimed that Elwelu surrendered rather than being forcibly arrested and described the development as a possible truce.

Opondo compared the situation to that of retired General David Sejusa, who left Uganda in 2013 following disagreements with the government and later returned in 2016. Sejusa had attracted international attention after speaking publicly about political succession concerns and allegations surrounding Muhoozi's possible rise to the presidency. Opondo suggested that Elwelu's situation could follow a similar path involving an understanding reached behind the scenes.

Elwelu previously served as deputy CDF under Muhoozi and held several senior military positions during his career. His detention in Soroti on November 2, 2026, over alleged security-related activities has attracted attention because of his military background and the concerns being raised about possible instability in Teso. However, Opondo's suggestion of a negotiated truce has not been confirmed by the UPDF or government, and the precise circumstances surrounding Elwelu's detention remain unclear.

For now, Echodu says regional leaders want answers from the authorities and are seeking to prevent the situation from causing unnecessary tension among residents. Whether Opondo's suggestion of a truce reflects what is actually happening remains to be established, but the consultations with government institutions and the call for a transparent inquiry have placed the focus on what authorities will reveal about Elwelu's case.