Tensions are reportedly growing in the Teso sub-region following the arrest and detention of retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, with voices from the region calling on Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and other security leaders to handle the matter carefully. An influential voice from Teso has warned against any attempt to intimidate or humiliate the people over the case involving their son.
Those raising concerns insist that Teso should not be treated as an enemy of the government because of the situation surrounding Elwelu. They argue that although the former military commander may face allegations, his case should not be used to create fear among ordinary residents or undermine the dignity of an entire region.
The concerns follow reports that Elwelu was arrested at his residence in Soroti before being transferred to Kampala. Questions have since been raised about his access to family members, legal representatives and cultural leaders, with calls for transparency regarding his detention and treatment.
The influential voice from Teso has maintained that Elwelu deserves constitutional protection, dignity and a fair hearing regardless of his previous military position or the allegations against him. The message to Muhoozi and the security leadership is that military authority should not be used to intimidate people seeking answers about the case.
The concerns also carry historical significance because Teso has experienced years of insecurity, cattle rustling, displacement and political marginalisation. Leaders and residents fear that insensitive handling of the current situation could revive painful memories and deepen mistrust between the region and national security institutions.
Those speaking out have also called upon President Yoweri Museveni to engage Teso’s cultural, political and religious leaders in meaningful discussions. They believe dialogue would help address the concerns surrounding Elwelu’s detention and prevent the situation from developing into a wider disagreement between the region and government.
At the same time, residents have been urged to remain peaceful and avoid confrontations with security personnel, while using Parliament, the courts and other lawful institutions to demand accountability. However, those advocating for Elwelu insist that choosing peaceful means should not be interpreted as surrendering their right to speak out.
The emerging message from Teso is that the region wants justice and constitutionalism rather than confrontation. Those raising the concerns are warning Gen Muhoozi and the security leadership that the Elwelu matter should be handled with sensitivity, insisting that accountability must be pursued without threatening or humiliating the people of Teso.
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