By Nathan Eyagu

Soroti City West Member of Parliament and NRM Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda David Calvin Echodu says he has communicated concerns from Teso leaders and residents to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni following the arrest of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu over security-related allegations.

Echodu said he and other senior leaders had initiated consultations with relevant government institutions to establish the details and magnitude of the reported security concerns, including claims of a possible insurgency in Teso.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 3, Echodu described the developments as a matter of grave concern, saying they had shocked many people across the region.

He revealed that he had received several telephone calls from opinion leaders and political figures in Teso and Eastern Uganda seeking clarification following news of Elwelu's arrest.

"Since last evening, I have been receiving several phone calls from several opinion and Party leaders in Teso and Eastern Uganda about this matter of grave concern," Echodu said.

Acknowledging Teso's turbulent history, the legislator said leaders were engaging responsible institutions to establish the facts surrounding the reported security threat.

He said the concerns of the majority of people in Teso had also been brought to the attention of President Museveni.

Echodu appealed to residents of Teso and Uganda at large to remain calm as consultations with the relevant authorities continue.

He further called for a speedy and transparent inquiry into the matter, emphasising the importance of providing clarity to the public.

"For now, on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Eastern Uganda, we call upon the population in Teso and Uganda at large to remain calm as we continue engaging the responsible authorities on this matter of public interest," he said.

The MP also cautioned members of the public against making inflammatory statements that could unnecessarily create fear and alarm within communities.

"Finally, as leaders and the people of Teso, we look forward to a speedy and transparent inquiry into these matters while urging members of the public to desist from making unnecessary inflammatory statements to alarm the community in the region," Echodu added.

Elwelu's arrest was announced on Monday evening, November 2, by UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi, who said security forces had apprehended the retired general in Soroti City over alleged security-related activities.

The announcement has triggered reactions from political and community leaders across Teso, with growing calls for clarification from security authorities.

Echodu's intervention comes as residents await further information regarding the allegations against the retired military officer and the wider security concerns raised by the military.