Former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, reportedly surrendered to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) following behind-the-scenes negotiations involving senior government officials and influential leaders from the Teso sub-region.
According to reports, Elwelu handed himself over to the army on Monday evening in Soroti City after current Deputy CDF, General Sam Okiding, travelled to meet him on the orders of President Yoweri Museveni.
The development reportedly followed days of uncertainty surrounding Elwelu’s whereabouts after Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued him an ultimatum last week over allegations of involvement in rebel recruitment activities.
The former army commander had reportedly attracted heightened security attention following the arrest of his wife and more than 20 soldiers allegedly linked to the investigations.
However, rather than being forcibly arrested, reports indicate that Elwelu agreed to surrender after negotiations involving prominent Teso figures, including Charles Elasu and Calvin Echodu, who reportedly helped facilitate communication between him and the government.
The negotiations are said to have centred on securing assurances regarding his personal safety and the circumstances under which he would face military justice.
President Museveni reportedly assured Elwelu that he would be safe if he surrendered and presented himself to the relevant military authorities to answer questions surrounding the allegations against him.
Following his reported surrender, Elwelu is said to have been accommodated in a three-bedroom house, where he reportedly has access to a personal cook as he awaits a meeting with the President.
The anticipated meeting with Museveni is expected to provide an opportunity for the retired general to explain his position regarding the allegations and clarify the circumstances that led to the standoff with the military leadership.
However, the reported safety assurances have become a point of contention, with the UPDF pushing back against claims that any agreement guaranteeing Elwelu’s safety was reached as part of the negotiations.
The circumstances surrounding his surrender, the allegations of rebel recruitment and the arrests of individuals reportedly connected to the matter remain sensitive issues.
Elwelu previously served as Deputy CDF and was among the senior military officers who played significant roles in Uganda’s military leadership before his retirement.
His latest predicament has attracted considerable attention, particularly in Teso, where he remains a prominent military figure. It remains unclear whether he will face formal military charges or what action the army intends to take following his surrender.
