A relative of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu has revealed that the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) has gone into hiding over fears for his personal safety following a series of public statements by the current military chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Elwelu became increasingly concerned about his security after noticing unfamiliar individuals allegedly tracking his movements following Uganda’s general elections.
The revelation comes amid growing public attention surrounding Elwelu’s situation after Gen Muhoozi made a series of statements on social media, describing the retired general as a “traitor” and claiming to have demoted him to the rank of Private.
Muhoozi also threatened to declare Elwelu a rebel if he failed to surrender, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the former army deputy chief’s reported disappearance from public view.
According to the family member, Elwelu’s concerns about his safety began before the latest statements from the Chief of Defence Forces. The relative suggested that the retired general had become uneasy after allegedly noticing people following his movements in the period after the elections.
The family member did not provide further details about the identities of the suspected trackers or establish whether the alleged surveillance was connected to the military leadership.
Elwelu, one of Uganda’s most prominent military figures, previously served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces before retiring from active military service. His military career included senior command responsibilities during a period when the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) played a central role in the country’s security operations.
His situation has now attracted attention because of the public nature of the accusations against him and the threat of being treated as a rebel if he does not surrender.
Muhoozi’s remarks have also placed the retired general at the centre of a developing controversy involving two senior military figures who have held influential positions within the UPDF.
However, the available information does not establish the specific allegations underlying Muhoozi’s description of Elwelu as a traitor, nor does it independently confirm that the retired officer has formally been demoted or declared a rebel.
It also remains unclear where Elwelu is currently staying, whether any formal military or legal proceedings have been initiated against him, and whether he has responded to the accusations.
The reported decision to go into hiding, if confirmed, would mark a significant development in a situation that has largely unfolded through public statements and claims on social media.
