Soroti, Uganda | NRM parliamentary aspirant David Calvin Echodu on Wednesday vowed to “reset and reorganise” service delivery in Soroti City West, saying the constituency has suffered years of stagnation caused by leadership wrangles, poor coordination and unfulfilled pledges.
Speaking during a well-attended rally in Orwadai Ward, Echodu told residents that the division cannot continue “circling around the same problems” while other parts of the region advance.
“For too long, Soroti City West has been stuck. Roads are still dusty, schools are struggling, and youth unemployment keeps rising,” he said. “We need a serious reset. My campaign is about breaking this cycle and bringing back disciplined, structured leadership.”
Residents in Orwadai listed a catalogue of concerns: unmaintained community access roads, limited clean water points, overcrowded public schools and poor waste management.
Many expressed frustration over what they described as inconsistent and politically charged leadership in the city.
“This division votes every cycle, but what changes?” asked Patrick Ayienda, a boda boda rider. “We need someone who follows up government programmes, not leaders who disappear after elections.”
Echodu said these complaints reflect years of disconnection between local leaders and national ministries.
He promised to prioritise regular engagement with the electorate and persistent lobbying for government projects.
The rally gained momentum with the arrival of Rt. Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy CDF, who endorsed Echodu as the most capable candidate to steer the division out of its current challenges.
“I have listened to many leaders in Teso, and I can tell you Echodu understands the responsibility that comes with leadership,” Elwelu said. “He is organised, he is focused, and he believes in unity—not the politics of division we have seen here.”
Elwelu urged voters to elect leaders who can meaningfully engage with central government, saying development cannot come through “constant confrontation and disorganisation.”
The Soroti City West seat has attracted several contenders, including incumbent MP Jonathan Ebwalu (FDC), independent candidate Patrick Anoku and a National Unity Platform (NUP) hopeful.
Analysts say the constituency’s mixed voting patterns make it a politically unpredictable battleground.
NRM strategists argue that Echodu’s campaign has gained early traction because it focuses on tangible community concerns rather than party rhetoric.
Local NRM leaders, including Soroti City Chairperson John Enomu, urged residents to give Echodu a chance, insisting that changing leadership could unlock stalled development projects.
“People here want roads, want water systems improved, want their children in better schools,” Enomu said. “Echodu has the discipline, the contacts and the approach needed to deliver.”
Youth groups, market vendors and women’s groups in Orwadai also pledged support, citing his accessibility and community engagement record.
Echodu closed his address with a plea for residents to move away from personality politics and demand practical plans from all candidates.
“Soroti City West must stop voting based on excitement,” he said. “Let us ask: who can follow up hospital upgrades? Who can secure road funding? Who can defend our interests in Parliament? That is what matters.”
Campaign activities continue this week across the remaining wards, with candidates intensifying grassroots mobilization as the race tightens.
