By Nathan Eyagu 

Teso – National Resistance Movement (NRM) politician David Calvin Echodu has sharply criticised what he described as arrogance and dishonesty in the CEC race, accusing his opponent of spreading falsehoods to discredit him.

Speaking during a radio talk show on Saturday, Echodu dismissed claims that he lacks political experience, noting that he began actively supporting NRM in 2008 by campaigning for President Yoweri Museveni.

“CEC leadership is not about experience alone. This is not my first time in politics, and accusing me of inexperience is misleading. My opponent has been moving around spreading lies,” he said.

Responding to accusations that he was in the United States while his rival was on the ground with the Arrow Boys fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Echodu described the claims as arrogant and divisive.

“Everyone has made a contribution in their own way. Being on the ground is not the only measure of service. Saying that without you Teso wouldn’t be here is a big lie. Teso will always be here,” he said.

Echodu also dismissed remarks that he “does not know how to address people” as “childish talk” that distracts from serious political debate.

While praising NRM’s 40 years of experience and its strong structures, Echodu warned that “a few bad actors” were undermining the party’s ideology.

“Other parties should learn from us, but we must weed out those tarnishing the party’s image. Let’s accept democracy—if people refuse you, accept it instead of forcing yourself on them,” he said.

On electoral fairness, particularly after past irregularities in NRM primaries, Echodu vowed to safeguard the vote.

“We shall have our agents at every polling point. Those who change results deserve prison,” he declared.

Currently touring Teso to meet NRM delegates, Echodu has gained support from members dissatisfied with the current Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, accusing him of failing to address the concerns of cadres and supporters. He also emphasised his role in pushing for community compensation programs, saying the President had approved them, but delays were caused by “bad actors” who require follow-up.

Calling for unity, Echodu urged leaders to work toward a single regional development agenda.

“It’s a shame that some leaders still fight instead of working together. We need to set a common goal and deliver within five years,” he said.

Paul Omer, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential envoy for Teso sub-region, who was also on the program, said the NRM has been “full of lies” and that a shift toward truth and delivery would be welcome.

“If what Echodu is saying are genuine ideas, then they can help reshape NRM and even attract new members,” Omer stated, while criticising what he described as a long-standing failure to implement the party’s manifesto.