Retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, a former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has been arrested in Soroti City over allegations that he was involved in activities intended to destabilise the Teso sub-region.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced his arrest on Monday evening, 2 November, following days of security operations and a search for the former senior military officer.
UPDF Acting Spokesperson Col Chris Magezi said Elwelu had been on the run before security forces apprehended him. Magezi also reported that security agencies had recovered 15 guns, military uniforms and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the retired general.
“He will be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law accordingly,” Magezi said, without specifying the charges Elwelu would face.
The UPDF has not disclosed where the reported weapons and other items were recovered or provided details of the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Elwelu’s arrest follows a series of public accusations by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who in late October accused the retired general of involvement in activities that threatened national security.
During that period, Kainerugaba announced the arrest of several former soldiers allegedly linked to Elwelu and reported the recovery of firearms and ammunition during security operations. The military leadership also publicly urged Elwelu to surrender as the search for him intensified.
However, authorities have not provided a detailed account of the alleged activities, the number of people suspected of involvement or the targets of the reported plot.
Elwelu’s family has previously dismissed claims that he intended to organise a rebellion. His wife, Patricia Apolot, defended him against allegations that he was planning to take up arms against the government.
The retired general previously held several senior positions in the UPDF, including Commander of Land Forces and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. He was appointed Deputy CDF in June 2021 but was replaced during changes in the military leadership in March 2024.
He later served as a presidential adviser covering the Teso and Karamoja regions before retiring from active military service in August 2025.
Elwelu also attracted international attention over his role in the November 2016 military operation against the Rwenzururu Kingdom in Kasese, in which more than 100 people were reported killed.
The UPDF says he will be prosecuted, although it has yet to announce when he will appear in court or provide further details about the charges.
