Soroti City West continues to witness a wave of political realignments as dozens of opposition supporters have crossed over to the camp of National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Calvin Echodu, citing confidence in his leadership style and development-focused agenda.
The latest defections were recorded on Sunday during Echodu’s campaign meetings held in Oderai and Majengo wards, where former supporters of various opposition parties publicly pledged allegiance to his bid for the Soroti City West parliamentary seat.
The defectors included youth leaders, women mobilisers, and local opinion leaders, who said they were disillusioned by what they described as “empty promises” and were now seeking leadership that delivers tangible results.
Addressing residents, Echodu said leadership should be judged by action rather than rhetoric, emphasizing that communities in need require practical solutions, not endless political talk.
“Leadership is not about talking every day. It is about standing with the people, especially the vulnerable, and doing something meaningful to change their lives,” Echodu said.
He added that his vision for Soroti City West centers on youth empowerment, improved household incomes, better urban infrastructure, and strengthened service delivery. Echodu also urged residents to embrace unity beyond party lines and work collectively for the development of the city.
Some of the defectors said they were drawn by Echodu’s grassroots engagement and track record of community support, describing him as a leader who listens and takes action.
“We have been in the opposition for years, but our communities remain the same. We are joining Echodu because he has shown commitment to real change,” said a former opposition mobiliser from Majengo.
Local leaders present at the meetings welcomed the new members, noting that the growing defections reflect increasing public trust in Echodu’s message and leadership approach. They observed that voters in Soroti City West are increasingly prioritizing service delivery and development over political slogans.
As campaigns intensify ahead of the polls, political analysts say the steady influx of opposition supporters into Echodu’s camp could significantly reshape the political landscape of Soroti City West, signaling a shift in voter confidence toward candidates perceived as practical and development-oriented.
