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Uganda arrests former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Peter Elwelu
Ugandan security forces have arrested retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu in Soroti City, eastern Uganda. Authorities allege Elwelu was involved in subversive activities and planning to destabilize the Teso sub-region.
Acting military spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi stated that security forces recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks during the operation. Prior to the arrest, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, had stripped Elwelu of his lieutenant general rank, demoting him to the rank of private, and accused him of stockpiling weapons.
Elwelu, who served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces from 2021 to 2024, previously held roles as commander of the land forces and presidential adviser. His career has been marked by controversy, including the 2016 military operation at the Rwenzururu King’s palace in Kasese that resulted in over 100 deaths, and 2024 US sanctions for alleged human rights violations.
While military officials described Elwelu as a renegade, some reports suggest he surrendered to security operatives at his office. Elwelu’s family has categorically rejected the allegations, maintaining his innocence and stating he has no intention of rebelling against the government.
Entities
Kasese · Muhoozi Kainerugaba · Peter Elwelu · Soroti City · Teso sub-region · Uganda People's Defence Force · Uganda People's Defence Forces · Yoweri Museveni
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] More than 20 former soldiers allegedly linked to Elwelu have been arrested. www.malatyaguncel.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] Elwelu is allegedly involved in activities to destabilize the Teso region. ankoletimes.co.ug · www.informateur.ci · www.malatyaguncel.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City. ankoletimes.co.ug · www.informateur.ci · www.malatyaguncel.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Security forces recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks in Elwelu's possession. www.informateur.ci · www.malatyaguncel.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · www.myjoyonline.com · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Elwelu's family denies the allegations and states he has no intention of rebelling. www.informateur.ci · uzalendonews.co.ke · ghanaiantimes.com.gh
- [● 2 SOURCES] Elwelu commanded a military operation in Kasese in 2016 that resulted in over 100 deaths. ankoletimes.co.ug · nilepost.co.ug
- [● 5 SOURCES] General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stripped Elwelu of his lieutenant general rank and demoted him to a private. www.informateur.ci · www.malatyaguncel.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · www.myjoyonline.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The US government imposed sanctions on Elwelu in May 2024 for alleged human rights abuses. www.informateur.ci · nilepost.co.ug · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · www.myjoyonline.com