KAMPALA UGANDA: 04 November 2026— A bitter political and ideological confrontation has broken out within the senior ranks of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), following security operations and the reported arrest of senior military officer Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu.
The row escalated after former Principal Private Secretary to President Museveni and Minister, Dr. Kenneth Omona, delivered a blistering public rebuke against Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara. Dr. Omona accused Minister Balaam of using cheap “tribalism” labels to silence elected leaders who are acting to reassure anxious communities burdened by memories of past conflict.
The Spark: A Region on Edge
The public clash followed statements made by Hon. Calvin Echodu, Member of Parliament for Soroti City West and NRM Vice Chairman for the Eastern Region.
Following reports of Lt. Gen. Elwelu’s arrest over security-related allegations, Echodu revealed that regional leaders were inundated with frantic phone calls from opinion leaders and panicked constituents fearing a potential resurgence of insurgency in Teso.
“Aware of our turbulent history, we together with other senior leaders have embarked on consultations with responsible institutions… We call upon the population in Teso and Uganda at large to remain calm as we continue engaging the authorities on this matter of public interest.”
— Hon. Calvin Echodu, MP Soroti City West
Echodu urged the UPDF and security apparatus to conduct a speedy and transparent inquiry while calling on the public to refrain from making inflammatory statements.
Balaam’s Warning: Avoid “Tribal Lenses”
Replying to Echodu, Minister Balaam Barugahara urged party leaders to maintain statesmanship and refrain from addressing national security concerns through “political, tribal, or regional lenses.”
“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. I make this appeal in the spirit of friendship, patriotism and our shared commitment to the peace, unity and stability of our beloved country.” Balaam warned.
Balaam insisted that leaders should leave the matter entirely to the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Museveni, and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, appealing for restraint and trust in military institutions.
Dr. Omona Counter-Attacks: “What Is Patriotism Without the People?”
Dr. Omona—who comes from Greater Kaberamaido in the Teso sub-region—rejected Balaam’s lecture on patriotism and timing.
“According to you , Hon Echodu , an elected leader of the people , was tribal , unpatriotic, not statesman enough and immature , to respond to the happenings in his constituency and region, huh ! May be , Balaam, you may wish to advise , who has a right to speak in Uganda and speak for the people and for themselves and how to speak. I come from the Greater Kaberamaido, where Lt Gen ELWELU also comes from ( Anyara , Kalaki ). The people in that place got terrified by the ongoing in the National news , aware of their traumatic past , wanted assurance from their leaders about their community.” Dr. Omona stated.
“What then would us , their children and leaders tell them. Did we need to seek permission from you to calm down our people so they can settle to till their land without fear ? It’s planting and exam season in this our place right now. Why do you want to smear such a foul lebel as tribalism on a leader who is just calling for calm and giving assurance to his people? The last time I checked your were a great promoter of tribal chauvinism, have you finally come to our side? I hope we haven’t abandoned our mass line ideology that shaped many of us. WHAT IS PATRIOTISM WITHOUT THE PEOPLE, Bure!! He warned adding:
“We of the region , are more interested in National security more than you may be even , we bear very many scars of insurgencies and we don’t desire any more . That’s why we find Hon Echodu’s statement neutral , mature , Patriotic and civil and peaceful and re assuring- that’s leadership and therefore don’t need your permission from you , at least not in our villages to speak for them. We have a duty to do so.”
“Finally, let me summarize for you what Hon Echodu called for: calm in the region, speedy and transparent inquiry into the Gen ELWELU alleged subversive activities and caution against inflammatory statements. Are these unwise according to you ! Greetings from Kaberamaido city. Cheers.” Dr Omona reassured.