KAMPALA — Security forces have arrested retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), following a high-profile manhunt over his alleged involvement in subversive activities
The arrest was confirmed on Monday evening, November 2, 2026, by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi. Magezi described the former senior military commander as a renegade officer who had been on the run over plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region
Col Magezi revealed that the arrest followed targeted security operations in eastern Uganda aimed at dismantling unauthorized military stockpiles.
According to official UPDF statements, authorities seized several assets allegedly linked to the retired general.15 firearms and a substantial cache of ammunition,Military fatigues and uniforms and Two pickup trucks used in connection with the operations.
“He will be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law accordingly,” Magezi stated, indicating that Elwelu will likely face trial before the General Court Martia
The arrest brings an end to days of heightened security activity and public tension surrounding the former army chief. The confrontation first escalated dramatically on October 27, 2026, when current Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly leveled serious accusations against his former deputy on social media
The state’s narrative remains under heavy public scrutiny, as Elwelu’s immediate family has rejected the rebellion claims.
Following the initial military raids on their residence, Elwelu’s wife, Apolot, vehemently denied that her husband was plotting against the state. “My husband is innocent and cannot, even for a minute, think of starting a rebellion. He loves Uganda,” she told reporters, maintaining that the retired general had simply traveled to Kampala for a period of prayer.
Other relatives noted that Elwelu intentionally went into hiding out of severe concern for his personal safety after noticing intensive military surveillance around his properties
Lt Gen Peter Elwelu is one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in Uganda’s contemporary military history.
He commanded the UPDF Land Forces before serving as Deputy CDF under Gen Wilson Mbadi from June 2021 until March 2024.
After being replaced by Lt Gen Sam Okiding in a 2024 military reshuffle, he served as a Senior Presidential Adviser on Teso and Karamoja Affairs. He formally retired from active service in August 2025
Elwelu drew international notoriety for commanding the bloody November 2016 assault on the Buhikira Palace of the Rwenzururu King in Kasese, which left over 100 people dead. The operation resulted in gross human rights abuse allegations and subsequent visa sanctions by the United States government.
Military authorities have not yet specified the exact criminal charges Elwelu will face or where he is currently being detained while joint security teams finalize their investigations
Before joining the National Resistance Army (NRA)—which later became the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) he was a civilian student in the Teso sub region
His life prior to his military career is structured around his early upbringing and education:
He was born on June 12, 1966, in present-day Kalaki District. His father passed away when he was young, and he was raised by his mother, who brewed local alcohol to support their family of seven.
He attended Anyara Primary School starting in 1973 and later completed his Ordinary Level (O-Level) education at Kalaki Secondary school in 1984
Due to lack of school fees to advance his education and the outbreak of the Uganda People’s Army (UPA) insurgency in Teso, Elwelu chose to join the military.
He formally enlisted on January 2, 1986 (just weeks before the NRA captured power in Kampala), launching his 40-year military career by being sent to the Tanzania Military Academy in Monduli for initial officer cadet training
