The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has clashed with Soroti City West MP Calvin Echodu over the arrest of former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt Gen (Rtd) Peter Elwelu, urging political leaders to refrain from politicising matters of national security.
The disagreement followed concerns raised by Echodu, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Eastern Region(NRM CEC), over Elwelu’s arrest by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on allegations related to national security.
In a statement, Echodu said news of Elwelu’s arrest, coupled with reports of a possible insurgency in the Teso Sub-region, had shocked residents, prompting political and opinion leaders to seek clarification from the relevant authorities.
He said he and other senior leaders had initiated consultations with relevant institutions to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the magnitude of the alleged security threat.
Echodu added that they had also communicated the concerns raised by residents of Teso to President Museveni.
“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.
He called for a speedy and transparent inquiry into the matter, cautioning members of the public against making inflammatory statements that could cause unnecessary alarm.
However, Minister Barugahara, who is also the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Vice Chairman in charge of Western Uganda, urged Echodu and other leaders to approach the matter with objectivity and statesmanship rather than viewing it through political, tribal or regional lenses.
Barugahara said national security matters were sensitive and required sober reflection, restraint and careful consideration before leaders could draw conclusions.
He called for an impartial and independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s arrest, saying the responsible institutions should be allowed to execute their mandate.
Barugahara also defended President Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, saying they had considerable experience in assessing intelligence and weighing its implications before making decisions.
He urged political leaders to demonstrate maturity, mutual respect and confidence in established security processes.
“As leaders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding our country’s unity and stability, let us demonstrate maturity, mutual respect and confidence in the appropriate processes. Above all, let national interest prevail over personal, political, tribal or regional considerations,” Barugahara said.
Meanwhile, the PLU Executive Secretary in the Office of the National Chairman, Daudi Kabanda, also cautioned leaders from Teso against politicising Elwelu’s arrest.
Kabanda argued that Elwelu was not the first senior military officer to be arrested, citing former army commanders and security officials, including Generals James Kazini, Henry Tumukunde, Kale Kayihura and David Sejusa, among others.
He questioned why Elwelu’s arrest should trigger what he described as regional and sectarian reactions, arguing that previous arrests of senior security officials had not prompted similar responses from their respective regions.
Kabanda further warned that statements capable of inciting the public would not help the situation, suggesting that leaders should allow investigations to establish the facts rather than resorting to speculation.
Elwelu’s arrest has triggered concern among political leaders in Teso, with Echodu calling for transparency and reassurance from security institutions, while Barugahara and Kabanda have urged restraint and cautioned against giving the matter a regional or political dimension.
