Former Government Spokesperson and Eastern Region Member of Parliament representing Older Persons, Ofwono Opondo, has described the return of retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu to Ugandan security authorities as a negotiated truce rather than a forced surrender.
Elwelu reportedly turned himself in to security personnel in Soroti on November 2, 2026, following allegations of involvement in subversive activities and the alleged stockpiling of firearms in the Teso sub-region.
Reacting to the development, Opondo downplayed the dramatic narrative surrounding the retired military officer, suggesting that his return should instead be understood as a negotiated arrangement.
The outspoken ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) MP also drew comparisons with the 2013 case involving former senior UPDF officer Gen. David Sejusa, who fled Uganda for the United Kingdom and later the United States following a public disagreement with the government.
At the time, Sejusa had raised concerns over alleged plans to position then Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for future leadership, triggering a major political and military controversy before he eventually returned to Uganda.
Opondo’s comparison places Elwelu’s latest security-related developments within the context of previous disagreements involving senior military figures and the government.
Elwelu previously served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and commanded the controversial 2016 military operation in Kasese, which attracted widespread criticism over reported civilian deaths.
His reported return to security authorities has since attracted public attention, particularly given his military background and the serious allegations surrounding his arrest.
