Security forces have arrested retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu in Soroti City over allegations of involvement in subversive activities aimed at destabilising the Teso sub-region.
Elwelu, a former Deputy Commander of Land Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor, was reportedly being pursued by intelligence agencies following investigations into suspected rebel activities and alleged illegal military weapons stockpiles in eastern Uganda.
Security agencies recently recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks in an operation reportedly linked to the retired general.
In a statement issued on Monday, Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, confirmed Elwelu’s arrest.
“Renegade UPDF General Peter Elwelu has this evening been arrested by the security forces in Soroti City,” Col. Magezi said.
He added that Elwelu had been on the run over alleged involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso.
“The security forces recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues and two pickup trucks. He will be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law accordingly,” he said.
Elwelu’s arrest marks a dramatic turn in the career of one of Uganda’s most controversial military figures, whose name became widely known following the November 2016 military raid on the Buhikira Palace of the Rwenzururu Kingdom’s cultural leader, Charles Wesley Mumbere, in Kasese District.
Elwelu commanded the operation, which left more than 100 people dead and attracted widespread condemnation from human rights organisations.
Despite the criticism surrounding the Kasese operation, Elwelu continued to rise through the military ranks, eventually serving as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces before being assigned presidential advisory responsibilities.
Military sources indicated that Elwelu was being held at a secure facility as joint security teams finalised investigations ahead of his expected arraignment before the General Court Martial.
