Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has intensified the hunt for retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, announcing the arrest of a driver linked to the former deputy army chief and the seizure of additional firearms, ammunition and a vehicle.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 29, Muhoozi said security forces had recovered more weapons allegedly concealed by Elwelu in several locations. He also announced that the retired officer’s last vehicle had been impounded.
“In our continuing operation to dismantle Private Elweru’s treachery and criminality. We have seized more guns and ammunition he had stashed away in different places,” Muhoozi said.
He added: “We have also arrested his driver and seized the last vehicle he was using.”
However, the CDF did not name the arrested driver, reveal where the arrest occurred or specify the number and types of weapons recovered. He also offered no public details of the evidence connecting Elwelu to the alleged criminal activities.
Muhoozi further warned that anyone helping the former senior officer avoid security forces would face punishment.“Anyone who aids this fugitive in any way will face serious consequences,” Muhoozi said.
He also acknowledged the role of people in eastern Uganda in providing information to security agencies.
“Otherwise, I thank all our supporters in Teso for all the information they are giving us,” he added.
The latest developments follow a warning Muhoozi issued on October 27, when he claimed that security forces had recovered a substantial quantity of weapons from one of Elwelu’s homes in Teso.
“Some of the arms ‘Private Elweru’ was stockpiling at one of his homes in Teso,” Muhoozi wrote.
He continued: “We have recovered a lot of arms and ammunition from his house.”The army chief then issued an ultimatum, warning: “He has hours to surrender before we declare him a rebel and deal with him accordingly.”
In his latest statement, Muhoozi did not clarify whether Elwelu had responded to the demand or whether the military had formally designated him a rebel.Reports have suggested that Elwelu left Uganda over fears for his personal safety, but his current whereabouts remain uncertain.
The military has not publicly presented a comprehensive account of the allegations against him.Elwelu served as deputy CDF from June 2021 until March 2024, when President Yoweri Museveni reorganised the military leadership and appointed Muhoozi to head the armed forces.
He retired in 2025 after nearly four decades in military service. His record includes commanding the November 2016 UPDF operation against the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese, where more than 100 people were reportedly killed.
The escalating operation has placed the retired general under growing pressure, with Muhoozi’s latest warning extending beyond Elwelu to people suspected of assisting him.
Nevertheless, questions remain about the circumstances of the driver’s arrest, the seizure of the vehicle and the alleged weapons discoveries. The military has yet to disclose a detailed inventory of the recovered arms or explain the legal process for declaring Elwelu a rebel.
