Joint security forces on Monday evening arrested controversial retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu in Soroti City following an intensive manhunt over his alleged involvement in subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the Teso sub-region.
Lt. Gen. Elwelu, who previously served as Deputy Commander of Land Forces, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), and Senior Presidential Advisor, had been on the run as state intelligence agencies intensified operations targeting suspected rebel networks and unauthorized armaments in eastern Uganda.
Confirming the high-profile arrest, the Acting Director Defence Public Information (DDPI) for the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Col. Chris Magezi, stated that an intelligence-led operation directly linked to the general yielded significant military hardware.
“Renegade UPDF General Peter Elwelu has this evening been arrested by the security forces in Soroti City,” Col. Magezi announced. “Lt. Gen. Elwelu has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso. The security forces recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks. He will be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law accordingly.”
Recovery of Illegal Armaments and Imminent Court Martial
The apprehension follows days of heightened security vigilance across the Teso sub-region, including public warnings and surrender ultimatums issued by regional political figures and military leadership.
Military sources indicate that the recovered inventory—comprising 15 automatic rifles, logistical vehicles, and official combat uniforms—forms the core of the evidence compiled by joint investigative teams.
Elwelu is currently detained at a secure military facility as legal teams prepare the charge sheet ahead of his formal arraignment before the General Court Martial.
The Downfall of a Polarizing Military Commander
The arrest marks a dramatic fall from grace for one of the country’s most polarizing senior military officers.
Elwelu gained international prominence in November 2016 when he commanded the military assault on the Buhikira Palace of the Rwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere, in Kasese—a raid that resulted in the deaths of over 100 people and triggered international sanctions against him.
Despite persistent criticism from international human rights bodies over the Kasese operation, Elwelu was subsequently promoted through the UPDF hierarchy, serving as Commander Land Forces and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces before his transition to presidential advisory duties and subsequent retirement.
Security agencies confirmed that joint operations remain active across eastern Uganda to dismantle any remaining cells associated with the alleged subversive network.
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