A sea of people flooded Soroti Sports Ground on Saturday as Calvin Echodu made a grand return to his home region, turning what was meant to be a simple homecoming into a charged political rally. The massive gathering sent a clear message—Eastern Uganda’s political landscape may be on the verge of a major shift. Echodu, who has declared his bid to challenge Capt. Mike Mukula for the Eastern region seat on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC), seized the moment, delivering a speech that mixed empathy with bold political promises, leaving the crowd electrified.

From the very beginning, Echodu connected with the audience by acknowledging their struggles. “I know that some of you came here without lunch or breakfast. I know times are hard,” he said, striking a chord with many in attendance. But rather than dwell on the hardships, he offered a message of hope. “God has a plan for this country and our region. And President Museveni has a mission to transform Uganda,” he declared, drawing loud cheers. His words carried a sense of urgency as he vowed to put an end to empty promises. “We cannot pretend anymore. The time for patience has expired. It is time we put words into action,” he said, met with thunderous applause.

One of the key themes of Echodu’s speech was unity. He called for stronger ties between the Teso and Busoga sub-regions, insisting that progress could only come through collective effort. “We are tired of suffering. We are tired of being unemployed and unable to pay our bills. But we can change that if we work together,” he said, switching between English and local languages to ensure his message reached everyone. His appeal for solidarity seemed to resonate deeply, with many in the crowd nodding in agreement.

Corruption was another major target of Echodu’s fiery address. He promised a new style of leadership—one that prioritises transparency and accountability. “We are tired of leaders who blame others while our people suffer. Those days must end,” he said, sparking chants of approval from the energized audience. His strong stance against graft appeared to strike a nerve, especially among young people and local business owners who have long complained of mismanagement in the region.

The event drew a diverse mix of attendees, including cultural leaders, youth groups, women’s savings cooperatives, religious figures, and local officials. Organisers described the turnout as one of the largest in Teso in recent years, with many seeing it as a sign of shifting political tides ahead of the 2026 general elections. The rally’s success has led to speculation that Echodu could emerge as a formidable challenger to established NRM figures in the region.

In a move that blended charity with political strategy, Echodu donated Shs500,000 each to 13 village savings groups from Soroti City East and West. Additionally, two boda boda associations received Shs4 million each. While the donations were framed as acts of empowerment, they also reinforced his message of grassroots support. “Become champions of change. Help the President. Together, we can make Uganda a place where we enjoy living,” he told the beneficiaries.

Echodu’s vocal endorsement of President Museveni’s development agenda, combined with his direct challenge to long-standing NRM leaders like Mukula, suggests a potential shake-up in the party’s Eastern Uganda dynamics. His ability to draw such a massive crowd and inspire such fervent support indicates that his political influence is growing rapidly. As one youth leader remarked after the event, “The wind is changing direction.”

With the 2026 elections approaching and CEC contests on the horizon, Echodu’s homecoming has done more than just mark his return—it has signalled the rise of a new political force in Eastern Uganda. Whether this momentum will translate into a successful challenge against the region’s established leaders remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Calvin Echodu has reignited a sense of hope and urgency among the people, and his message is only just beginning to spread.