The military says it arrested the retired general and recovered weapons, while his family denies the claims and lawyers call for due process
Uganda’s former deputy army chief Peter Elwelu is in custody over allegations that he plotted to destabilize the country’s eastern Teso region, as lawyers call for transparency and due process in the case.
Conflicting accounts of the arrest
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) announced on Monday that retired Lt. Gen. Elwelu had been arrested in Soroti City and would face prosecution.
However, a report by the Daily Monitor on Tuesday, citing sources close to the former commander, said he had voluntarily surrendered at his office before being taken into custody. The military has not publicly addressed the conflicting accounts.
Military alleges weapons recovered
Acting military spokesman Col. Chris Magezi accused Elwelu of involvement in activities intended to destabilize Teso. He also claimed security forces had recovered 15 firearms, military uniforms and two pickup trucks linked to the former general.
Authorities have yet to disclose the specific charges or publicly detail the evidence behind the allegations.
Family rejects rebellion claims
The arrest follows public accusations by Chief of Defense Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had accused Elwelu of organizing a rebellion and announced that he had stripped him of his military rank.
Elwelu’s family has rejected the allegations. His wife, Patricia Apolot, maintains that he was not involved in plans to overthrow the government.
Lawyers demand due process
On Tuesday, the Uganda Law Society urged authorities to respect Elwelu’s constitutional rights, including access to lawyers and protection against arbitrary detention.
Its president, Isaac Ssemakadde, also cautioned against conducting the case through public accusations before the evidence is tested in court.
A controversial military career
Elwelu served as deputy chief of defense forces from 2021 to 2024. He commanded the 2016 military operation against the palace of the Rwenzururu king in Kasese, which left more than 100 people dead.
The United States sanctioned him in 2024 over alleged human rights abuses linked to the operation. He retired from the military in August 2025.
