Former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF) Lt Gen Peter Elwelu is reportedly staying in a three-bedroom house after surrendering to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), following behind-the-scenes negotiations involving President Yoweri Museveni and several senior political, military and religious leaders from the Teso sub-region.
According to reports by the New Vision, Elwelu handed himself over on Monday evening after a series of engagements aimed at convincing him to return and face the military justice process. The negotiations reportedly involved assurances that his personal safety would be protected if he agreed to surrender.
The breakthrough came after current Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding travelled to Soroti on Museveni’s instructions to bring Elwelu back to Kampala. Senior Presidential Advisor for Teso Charles Elasu, who participated in the negotiations, revealed that Elwelu had sent someone to arrange a meeting between him, Okiding and other officials.
Elasu explained that the meeting took place at around 2pm on Monday, when he and Okiding met Elwelu at his place of stay in Soroti City. They exchanged pleasantries before informing him that Okiding had travelled to Teso specifically on the President’s instructions to bring him back. The discussions were reportedly cordial, paving the way for their journey to Kampala.
The group later moved to Ateker Villas, where they spent the night before preparing for the journey the following morning. Other senior security officials, including former Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security Maj Gen Richard Otto and Police Crime Intelligence chief Maj Gen Christopher Ddamulira, also joined the group during the process.
On Tuesday morning, Elwelu and Okiding reportedly travelled in the same vehicle, leaving Soroti at approximately 10:20am. A security vehicle led their convoy, helping clear traffic as they made their way towards Kampala. The journey marked the end of the former army deputy commander’s period away from military authorities.
Interestingly, Elwelu has reportedly been provided with a three-bedroom house where he is allowed to have his personal cook prepare his meals as he awaits a meeting with President Museveni. Elasu confirmed the arrangement, although he said he did not know when the anticipated meeting between Elwelu and the President would take place.
Other individuals reportedly involved in the negotiations included Soroti City West MP Calvin Echodu, who also serves as the NRM vice-chairperson for the Eastern Region. Elwelu’s surrender followed an ultimatum issued by CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had warned that the former deputy army commander risked being declared a rebel if he failed to report to military authorities. Muhoozi had also said Elwelu was under investigation over alleged recruitment of rebels, following the arrest of his wife and more than 20 soldiers suspected of working with him.
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