# Uganda military leadership internal disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uganda-military-leadership-internal-disputes
> Updated: 2026-10-27T05:52:01.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

A public confrontation has emerged between Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and high-ranking military and political figures. The dispute began when Minister of Water and Environment Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire made remarks in Parliament regarding political tolerance, suggesting that a “general who prefers violence as the best means of solving problems” represents a significant issue. In response, Muhoozi issued ultimatums via social media demanding a public apology, eventually threatening to arrest Otafiire for allegedly insulting the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The tension within the military leadership escalated further when Muhoozi announced the demotion of former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu. Muhoozi stripped Elwelu of his military ranks, demoting him to the rank of Private, and labeled him a “traitor.” 

Recent developments have intensified these accusations. Gen. Muhoozi has accused retired Lt. Gen. Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and planning a rebellion, stating that security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from one of Elwelu’s homes in the Teso sub-region. This follows the arrest of over 20 former soldiers associated with Elwelu. 

Amidst these leadership shifts, Gen. Muhoozi has also announced new military appointments, including the promotion of Brigadier Oscar Munanura to Acting Major General and his appointment as the new Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, succeeding Major General Richard Otto.

## Claims

- Mujurizi Moses was arrested for allegedly killing and eating 38 people between 2010 and 2025. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Mujurizi Moses will face a public trial and potential execution. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Peter Elwelu was stripped of his military ranks and demoted to the rank of Private. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- More than 20 former soldiers associated with Elwelu have been arrested. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from one of Elwelu’s homes in Teso. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Oscar Munanura was promoted to Acting Major General and appointed Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Uganda military leadership changes and security developments

Uganda's military chief announced the promotion of Oscar Munanura to Intelligence Chief, the demotion of retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu amid rebellion allegations, and the arrest of a suspected serial killer.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uganda-military-chief-announces-arrest-of-serial-killer-suspect-and-demotion-of-retired-general

### 2026-10-01: Muhoozi Kainerugaba threatens arrest of Minister Kahinda Otafiire

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has threatened to arrest Minister Kahinda Otafiire following a heated dispute over parliamentary remarks regarding political violence and tolerance.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uganda-military-dismisses-allegations-and-addresses-opposition-arrest

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Cite as: Uganda military leadership internal disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uganda-military-leadership-internal-disputes