M7 Grills Calvin Ecodu on His American Citizenship and Lack of Patriotism

In a dramatic turn of events, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has raised sharp questions over the loyalty and political credibility of Calvin Ecodu, a controversial figure whose ties to foreign interests have increasingly come under the spotlight.

During a closed-door engagement with senior leaders, Museveni directly challenged Ecodu on his long stay in the United States—spanning over 20 years—where he not only acquired permanent residence but also embraced American citizenship. According to the President, such a background poses serious concerns about patriotism, allegiance, and the integrity required to serve Uganda in leadership capacities.

“You cannot claim to be a patriot when you abandoned your country for over two decades, built your life in America, and even took citizenship there. What is your loyalty? Are you serving Uganda, or are you serving Washington?” Museveni reportedly asked, in his characteristically blunt style.

The Patriotism Question

Uganda’s Constitution is clear on matters of citizenship and national service: no leader should hold divided loyalties. The President’s interrogation of Ecodu touches the nerve of a wider issue that has become increasingly important in African politics—whether leaders with dual citizenship can truly prioritize their motherland over foreign allegiances.

Ecodu, who has branded himself as a civil society actor and mobilizer, has been accused of leveraging foreign networks to interfere in domestic politics. His critics argue that his deep American connections make him more of a lobbyist for Western interests than a genuine advocate for Uganda’s people.

Museveni’s Longstanding Stance on Sovereignty

For decades, President Museveni has positioned himself as a defender of Uganda’s independence and sovereignty, resisting foreign meddling in internal affairs. His confrontation with Ecodu reflects this consistent doctrine—that leadership in Uganda should not be compromised by hidden loyalties or the influence of external funders.

“Leadership is not tourism. If you spent the prime of your life building America, why should you return here to mislead our people? Patriotism means sacrifice. It means staying in your country through thick and thin,” Museveni emphasized.

A Wider Warning to Foreign-Backed Actors

Observers believe that Museveni’s sharp words to Ecodu extend beyond one individual, serving as a warning to all politically ambitious actors bankrolled by external forces. The President has repeatedly condemned what he calls “political mercenaries”—Ugandans who operate as conduits for foreign agendas at the expense of national unity and progress.

Public Sentiment

The grilling has sparked intense debate across the country. Many Ugandans, particularly those in rural areas who bore the brunt of past instability, are asking whether people like Ecodu—who lived comfortably abroad during Uganda’s most difficult years—have the moral authority to speak for ordinary citizens today.

Conclusion

Calvin Ecodu’s dual identity now hangs over his political ambitions like a dark cloud. President Museveni’s interrogation has placed the question of patriotism and allegiance squarely in the national conversation. For a country that has endured sacrifice, blood, and resilience to secure its sovereignty, the issue is simple: Uganda needs leaders who have stood with their people, not those who abandoned them for foreign passports.