KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – The arrest of retired Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu has sparked a public exchange between Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara and NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda and Soroti City West MP Calvin Echodu.
The exchange centres on how leaders should respond to the security allegations against Elwelu, with Echodu calling for reassurance and a transparent inquiry to address concerns in Teso, while Balaam has urged restraint and cautioned against viewing the matter through political, tribal or regional lenses.
Echodu, in a statement posted on X, said news of Elwelu’s arrest over security-related allegations had shocked many people in Teso, particularly reports of a possible insurgency brewing in the region.
He said he had received several telephone calls from opinion leaders and NRM party leaders in Teso and Eastern Uganda expressing concern over the matter.
“Aware of our turbulent history, we, together with other senior leaders, have embarked on consultations with responsible institutions to ascertain the details and magnitude of the said matter. We have also informed H.E. the President about the concerns of the majority of people in Teso,” Echodu said.
He appealed to residents of Teso and Uganda at large to remain calm as regional leaders engage relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Echodu also called for a speedy and transparent inquiry, urging the public to avoid inflammatory statements that could cause unnecessary alarm in the region.
However, Balaam, responding to Echodu, appealed to the NRM vice chairperson to approach the matter with objectivity and statesmanship, warning against giving it political, tribal or regional interpretations.
“My dear friend Echodu and Hon. NRM Central Committee member, I wish to respectfully appeal that we approach this matter with the highest level of objectivity, wisdom and statesmanship, and avoid viewing it through political, tribal or regional lenses,” Balaam wrote.
The Local Government minister argued that matters touching on national security were particularly sensitive and required sober reflection, restraint and careful consideration.
He called for an impartial and independent investigation to establish the facts before leaders draw conclusions or take positions on the matter.
Balaam also urged confidence in the country’s top military leadership, citing the experience and institutional responsibilities of President Yoweri Museveni, as Commander-in-Chief, and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He said the two leaders had considerable experience in assessing intelligence and weighing its implications before decisions were made.
“Equally important, their compassion, understanding and commitment to the wellbeing of our nation should not be overlooked,” he added.
Balaam further urged political leaders to demonstrate maturity, mutual respect and confidence in established processes, insisting that national interest should take precedence over personal, political, tribal or regional considerations.
“I make this appeal in the spirit of friendship, patriotism and our shared commitment to the peace, unity and stability of our beloved country,” he said.
Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on November 2 following allegations by the military that he was involved in subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso.
Acting Defence Public Information Director Col Chris Magezi said security forces had recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the retired general. He said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in court.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court.
Echodu’s intervention reflects concerns among regional leaders about the potential impact of the allegations on a community with a history of insurgency, while Balaam’s response emphasises national security considerations and the need to allow investigative institutions to establish the facts.
