By Richard Otim
Echodu David Calvin has since thrown a stone into the still pond of Teso politics, and the ripples are now threatening to capsize more than a few entrenched boats.
Plainly, Echodu had been little known in the political landscape of Uganda, a compassionate phantom whose philanthropic organization, Pilgrim Africa, had quietly relieved suffering of many and uplifted communities.
The occasional, humble presence of Echodu delivering aid personally during times of crisis had been welcomed.
Now, however, his sudden declaration of political ambition has since sent shockwaves through the “established order”, particularly among the ruling NRM echelons in Teso.
His audacity to challenge Capt. Mike Mukula, longtime NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region, has been perceived as a threat to core survival of some politicians.
Indeed, Mukula a man whose influence stretches like the vast plains of Teso itself, had become synonymous with the region’s political power.
For decades, Mukula and his allies had cunningly controlled the flow of resources, dictated the agenda and reaped rewards of their loyalty but now see Echodu as a threat to their carefully cultivated empire.
The reason for their panic is shrouded in a veil of whispered accusations, some claiming Echodu is unwilling to play the game by their rules.
Others fear his genuine concern for the people of Teso would expose their own failures and corruption. But at the heart of it all lay a simple truth: Echodu threatens their access to the plate they had been feeding on for far too long.
Night after night, clandestine meetings have been held in the backrooms of bars, Kampala hotels and the dimly lit parlors of influential figures in Teso. Schemes have been hatched, alliances forged and bags of money exchanging hands, all with the sole purpose of blocking Echodu.
The fear of losing their grip on power has engrossed many that they will stop at nothing to block Echodu, even if it meant losing their own breath.
Their anxiety is further fueled by Echodu’s perceived favor with “Jajja”, President Museveni himself.
Not long ago, Echodu had reportedly presented the President with a detailed blue print outlining the challenges facing the Iteso people and proposing solutions.
Sources close to “Jajja” intimated that the big man could not hide his excitement about the “report”, considering it very honest and detailed on how to tackle Teso challenges.
More significantly, Echodu had taken the initiative to bridge the divide between NRM government and former rebels, facilitating a meeting between President Museveni and the family of Uganda People’s Army (UPA) rebel leader, Hitler Eregu.
The UPA, an outfit of defeated Obote soldiers and dominantly from Teso had taken up arms to resists Museveni coming into power.
This blatant display of such initiatives has further exposed a painful truth. For years, funds allocated by the President for specific groups in Teso, such as compensation for the Mukura train wagon victims and the Kanyumu mass grave survivors, had mysteriously disappeared or perhaps swallowed by the scam that Echodu threatens to dismantle.
To sum it up, the atmosphere in Teso has since grown thick with tension, whispers turning into hushed conversations in market squares and under the shade of mango trees.
People of Teso have measured Echodu’s resolve, wondering if he truly understands the mafias arrayed against him. They are also watching Mukula and his allies, sensing the desperation in their maneuvers.
However, Echodu unfazed by the swirling controversy has kept his head up, speaking passionately about transparency, accountability and empowering the people of Teso.
He has visited the neglected communities, listened to stories of hardship and resilience and offering practical solutions tailored to their needs.
Echodu knows too that the road ahead would be treacherous, his opponents ruthless and willing to use any means necessary to protect their power.
But he is also aware that the people of Teso are tired of being ignored, tired of the empty promises, tired of the corruption that had bled their region for far too long.
And to those yearning for new energy, the quiet philanthropist has become a warrior and the fight to “make Teso great again” has just begun.