Retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu is currently being held at Makindye Military Barracks in Kampala as investigations into allegations of subversive activities against him continue. The former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces was transferred to the military facility following his arrest in Soroti, with reports indicating that he could be awaiting a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni as his case unfolds.
According to security sources, Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on Monday before being transferred to Mbuya Military Headquarters. He was later moved to Makindye Barracks, where senior military officers facing investigations are reportedly held before possible appearances before the General Court Martial.
Senior Presidential Advisor Charles Elasu has revealed that he contacted army officials to establish Elwelu’s condition and was informed that the former general was doing well. Elasu further claimed that Elwelu had been provided with a three-bedroom house within the barracks and given his own cook, whom he reportedly chose himself.
Sources indicate that Elwelu could be expected to meet President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. However, the possibility of such a meeting has not been officially confirmed. People close to his family reportedly believe that an opportunity to speak with the President could help explain the allegations against him, which his family has denied.
Elwelu’s arrest has attracted considerable attention, particularly among political leaders from the Teso sub-region, where he comes from. Several leaders have expressed concern about his situation and called for engagement with the country’s top leadership as the military investigations continue.
The retired general joined the National Resistance Army in 1987 and served in several senior military positions during his 39-year career. He commanded Uganda’s first military contingent to Somalia under AMISOM in 2007, later leading the UPDF’s 2nd and 3rd Divisions before becoming Commander of Land Forces in January 2017.
In June 2021, Elwelu was appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, becoming one of the most senior officers in the UPDF. Following changes in the military leadership in March 2024, he was replaced by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and appointed Presidential Advisor on Teso and Karamoja affairs. He eventually retired in August 2025 and turned his attention to farming and religious preaching.
His peaceful retirement was interrupted after Gen Muhoozi publicly accused him of betrayal, announced his demotion to the rank of Private and ordered his arrest. The military investigation is now expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegations, including claims involving firearms and other former soldiers. Under the UPDF Act, members of the Reserve Force remain subject to military law, meaning Elwelu could still face military proceedings. However, the specific charges, if any, and whether he will appear before the General Court Martial remain to be officially communicated.
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