Uganda Arrests Former Deputy Army Chief Peter Elwelu Over Alleged Plot

Ugandan authorities have arrested former deputy chief of defence forces, Peter Elwelu, over allegations of involvement in activities aimed at destabilising the country.

The retired three-star general was taken into custody on Monday, November 2, according to military spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi, who said Elwelu would face charges in court.

Magezi alleged that Elwelu had been involved in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the Teso region in eastern Uganda, where he was born and raised.

The military spokesperson also disclosed that security forces had reportedly recovered 15 firearms, military uniforms and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the former senior officer.

Elwelu’s arrest followed accusations by Uganda’s defence chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who recently accused the retired general of engaging in activities against the government.

Kainerugaba also reportedly stripped Elwelu of his lieutenant general rank and ordered security personnel to capture him alive. The defence chief further claimed that 20 former soldiers allegedly connected to Elwelu had been arrested.

Elwelu served as deputy chief of defence forces between 2021 and 2024 and previously commanded the country’s land forces. He later became a presidential adviser before retiring from the military in August 2025.

His military career was marked by controversy, particularly over his role in the 2016 deadly assault on the palace of the Rwenzururu king in Kasese.

The United States imposed sanctions on Elwelu in 2024 over alleged human rights abuses.

However, his family has rejected the allegations against him. His wife, Patricia Apolot, reportedly described her husband as innocent and dismissed claims that he would organise an armed rebellion.

The Ugandan government has yet to publicly substantiate the allegations against the former military chief.

The arrest has drawn attention to tensions within Uganda’s military leadership.