A fresh disagreement has emerged among leaders over the arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, with Dr Omona questioning Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara for criticising calls by Soroti City West MP David Calvin Echodu for calm and reassurance in Teso.

In a strongly worded response, Omona defended Echodu, arguing that an elected representative has a responsibility to speak when people in his constituency are worried about developments affecting their region. He said the MP’s message was intended to reassure residents rather than take sides in the matter involving the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.

The disagreement followed Balaam’s earlier appeal for leaders to discuss Elwelu’s arrest with wisdom, objectivity and statesmanship. The minister cautioned against introducing tribal, regional or political divisions into a national security matter and called for an independent investigation before anyone reached conclusions.

However, Omona questioned why Echodu’s appeal for calm had attracted criticism, particularly when communities in Teso were seeking reassurance. He explained that residents of Greater Kaberamaido, the region from which Elwelu hails, have painful memories of past insurgencies and insecurity, making developments involving national security especially sensitive.

Omona argued that local leaders could not remain silent when their people were concerned about what was happening. He said residents needed reassurance so they could continue their daily activities, including farming and preparing for examinations, without unnecessary fear.

“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?” Omona questioned in his response to Balaam.

He further argued that patriotism, wisdom and the freedom to express opinions on national matters should not be treated as the exclusive property of any individual. Defending Echodu’s position, Omona said the MP had called for calm, a speedy and transparent investigation into the allegations against Elwelu, and restraint from making inflammatory statements that could increase tensions.

“Finally, let me summarize for you what Hon. Echodu called for: calm in the region, speedy and transparent inquiry into Gen. Elwelu’s alleged subversive activities and caution against inflammatory statements. Are these unwise according to you?” he asked, before raising a broader question about the meaning of patriotism: “WHAT IS PATRIOTISM WITHOUT THE PEOPLE?”

Omona maintained that Teso communities have a legitimate interest in matters affecting national security because of their history of insecurity and their desire for lasting peace. His response has added a new political dimension to the debate over Elwelu’s arrest, highlighting the tension between calls for national unity and the responsibility of local leaders to address the concerns of their communities.