By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The UPDF Joint security forces have arrested the embattled former Deputy Commander of Land forces, Lt.Gen. Peter Elwelu,who was nabbed last night on November 2,2026. Gen. Elwelu was nabbed like a grasshopper in Soroti City following weeks in hidding .
The troubled former army chief was caged on accusations related to subversive activities, with the aim of destabilizing the seating government.
He is also accused of indulging in subversive activities aimed at destabilizing Teso sub-region where he hails from.
The UPDF Spokesman, Col. Chris Magezi, confirmed his arrest, revealing that recently security forces recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks from one of his residences in Soroti district.
“Renegade UPDF General Peter Elwelu has this evening been arrested by the security forces in Soroti City,” Magezi said.
He added: “Lt. Gen. Elwelu has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso Sub-region”
Col. Magezi further said Gen.Elwelu will soon been paraded and prosecuted before Military Court on charges related to subversive activities.
Mwenda Accuses Gen. Elwelu Of Wanting To Kill CDF
On October 29, 2026, political commentator Andrew Mwenda, claimed that retired Lt.Gen. Peter Elwelu had planned to kill the Chief of Defence Forces and seize power.
In a post on his X on Thursday, October 29, 2026, Mwenda alleged that individuals recruited by Elwelu had told security officials that the retired general intended to eliminate Muhoozi and take over the country.
“Private Elwelu was planning to kill the CDF @mkainerugaba,” Mwenda wrote.
He further claimed that the alleged recruits had disclosed during a briefing that Elwelu believed killing Muhoozi would clear his path to taking control of Uganda.
“The militia he had recruited have said that in a briefing to them, he said if he kills Gen Muhoozi, he would be able to take over Uganda. Now he is hiding in the swamps of Teso,” Mwenda added.
However, Mwenda’s claims could not been independently verified since there was no concrete evidence that Elwelu planned to assassinate Muhoozi or take over the government.
The latest accusation came amid a widening standoff between Elwelu and Muhoozi, who had publicly announced that he had stripped the retired officer of his military ranks and reduced him to the rank of private.
Muhoozi also alleged that security forces had arrested more than 20 former soldiers who previously served under Elwelu and that they were cooperating with investigators.
The army chief subsequently claimed that security forces had recovered firearms and ammunition from one of Elwelu’s homes in Teso, warning that the former deputy army chief had hours to surrender before being declared a rebel.
Facts About Gen.Elwelu
Elwelu is a former commander of the UPDF Land Forces and served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces before leaving active military service in August 2025.
He is also associated with the controversial November 2016 military operation against the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese, which left more than 100 people dead. The United States imposed visa restrictions on him in 2024 over alleged human rights violations linked to the operation.
