A fresh political controversy has emerged following the arrest of retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, with Frank Mwesigye, a prominent official in Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), launching a fierce attack on Soroti City West MP Calvin Echodu. Mwesigye has accused the legislator of siding with Elwelu and made explosive allegations that he was among the people secretly financing the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces’ alleged plans to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
In a lengthy social media statement, Mwesigye questioned Echodu’s involvement in the growing discussions surrounding Elwelu’s arrest, suggesting that his public position was not simply motivated by concern for his fellow Teso resident. He alleged that the MP had personal political grievances and was worried because of his alleged financial connections to the retired general. However, he did not publicly provide evidence to substantiate the funding allegations.
Mwesigye further claimed that Echodu had become politically disgruntled after reportedly missing out on a ministerial appointment in Museveni’s government. He suggested that the MP’s reaction to Elwelu’s arrest was connected to disappointment over his political ambitions and alleged involvement in activities now under security scrutiny.
The PLU official went further, claiming that Echodu was not the only prominent person from Teso allegedly connected to Elwelu’s activities. According to Mwesigye, four other influential political leaders from the region were also being investigated over claims that they financially supported the former Deputy CDF’s alleged subversive activities. He claimed that the individuals were now worried following Elwelu’s arrest, although he did not identify them or provide details of the alleged investigations.
Echodu, who also serves as the NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Region, has been among the prominent political leaders calling for calm and a transparent inquiry into Elwelu’s arrest. Following the development, he said Teso leaders had started consultations with relevant institutions and had communicated the concerns of residents to President Museveni. New Vision +1
The Soroti City West legislator has maintained that the people of Teso deserve clarity about the security allegations against Elwelu. He has urged residents across the region and Uganda at large to remain calm while leaders engage the relevant authorities, adding that the matter should be handled through a speedy and transparent inquiry.
Mwesigye’s accusations have added another layer to the political disagreements surrounding Elwelu’s arrest, which has already attracted strong reactions from military officials, politicians and other leaders from Teso. The former army commander is facing allegations of involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the region, claims that his family has disputed.
For now, Mwesigye’s claims that Echodu and four other Teso politicians financed the alleged activities remain unproven publicly, and no official announcement has established their involvement in any alleged plot. The accusations are likely to attract further attention as investigations into Elwelu’s case continue and political leaders from Teso maintain their calls for clarity and due process.
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