Soroti City West MP and NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu has appealed to residents of Teso to remain calm following the arrest of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu over security-related allegations. The legislator says regional leaders are seeking answers from government institutions amid growing concern about reports of a possible security threat in the area.
Echodu said the news of Elwelu’s arrest had caused anxiety among residents because of Teso’s painful history of armed conflict and insecurity. He noted that many people were unsettled by suggestions that another security problem could be developing in a region that has experienced years of instability.
The MP revealed that he had received numerous calls from political figures, party leaders and other influential people across Teso and Eastern Uganda seeking information about the arrest. According to him, the developments have become a major concern among regional leaders who want to understand exactly what is happening.
In response, Echodu said he and other senior leaders had started engaging relevant government institutions to establish the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s arrest and the reported security concerns. He explained that the consultations are intended to obtain reliable information about the nature and seriousness of the allegations rather than rely on rumours.
The legislator also disclosed that regional leaders had communicated the concerns of Teso residents to President Yoweri Museveni. Their appeal to the President reflects the growing demand for official clarification as communities seek reassurance about the security situation.
Echodu urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information or making inflammatory statements that could increase fear and tension. He stressed that leaders and residents should handle the matter responsibly while allowing the relevant authorities to provide accurate information.
At the same time, the MP insisted that the concerns raised by the people of Teso deserve a clear response. He called for a speedy and transparent inquiry into the allegations surrounding Elwelu’s arrest and the reports of a possible security threat, saying the public needs to understand the facts.
Elwelu’s arrest has attracted significant attention because of his senior military background and the region’s history of insecurity. However, the reported possibility of renewed insurgency has not been independently established. For now, Echodu says consultations are continuing, with regional leaders hoping that government authorities will provide timely explanations to calm public concerns.
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