Fresh details have emerged surrounding the dramatic arrest of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, popularly known as the Lion of Teso, with serious allegations suggesting that his troubles are connected to suspected plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region and activities allegedly threatening the country’s top leadership.
Elwelu, a former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, was arrested in Soroti City on November 2, 2026, following days of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts. Acting Defence Ministry and UPDF spokesperson Col Chris Magezi confirmed that the retired general had been wanted over alleged subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso, adding that he would face prosecution.
His arrest came shortly after Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that Elwelu had been stripped of his military ranks and medals and demoted to the rank of Private. The announcement surprised many Ugandans, considering that Elwelu previously occupied one of the most senior positions in the country’s military establishment.
Although authorities have not publicly explained all the details of the alleged activities, the charges are expected to revolve around serious security-related offences, with treachery and treason mentioned as possible charges. Security forces have also reportedly recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the retired general.
The controversy has been made even more serious by claims previously raised by journalist Andrew Mwenda, who alleged that Elwelu had recruited individuals described as rebels. Mwenda further claimed that some of those reportedly arrested confessed to investigators that there was a plan to assassinate Gen Muhoozi and remove President Yoweri Museveni from power. These explosive allegations have not been independently established.
Elwelu’s military history has also returned to public discussion following the latest developments. He commanded the UPDF operation during the November 2016 assault on the palace of the Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere, in Kasese. The operation left scores of people dead and attracted criticism from human rights organisations over allegations of excessive force. Elwelu was later promoted to lieutenant general and appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to Teso, the region at the centre of the allegations. Former minister Musa Ecweru had reportedly warned that Elwelu could face serious consequences if he refused to surrender, even suggesting that former Arrow Boys could join efforts to hunt him down. However, authorities have not yet publicly provided a comprehensive explanation of the alleged destabilisation plans or identified everyone suspected of involvement.
As the situation unfolds, the biggest questions remain what exactly Gen Elwelu is accused of doing, what evidence security agencies have gathered and whether the allegations involving Gen Muhoozi and President Museveni will feature in the formal charges. The retired general remains entitled to defend himself, and the accusations against him have yet to be proven in court.
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