Ugandan security forces have arrested former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Peter Elwelu over accusations of involvement in activities allegedly aimed at undermining the country’s stability.
Acting military spokesperson Chris Magezi confirmed that Elwelu was taken into custody on Monday evening and is expected to face charges in court.
The arrest comes days after Uganda’s Defence Chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced that Elwelu had been stripped of his lieutenant general rank and reduced to the position of a private. Magezi described the former military officer as a renegade, claiming that he had been evading authorities over alleged involvement in subversive activities targeting the Teso region.
The military spokesperson further alleged that security officers had recovered 15 firearms, military uniforms and two pickup trucks linked to Elwelu.
The developments follow accusations by Kainerugaba that the former army commander had been accumulating weapons and coordinating activities against the government.
Last week, the defence chief ordered Elwelu to surrender, warning that anyone assisting him to evade arrest would face serious consequences. Kainerugaba also claimed that security officers had seized additional weapons and ammunition from Elwelu’s residence. He further announced the arrest of 20 former soldiers allegedly connected to the former deputy army chief.
Elwelu rose to prominence in 2016 when he commanded a military operation targeting the palace of a regional king accused of leading a separatist movement. The raid resulted in multiple deaths.
Following the operation, he was appointed army chief before eventually rising to the position of Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. He later served as a presidential adviser.
In May 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Elwelu over alleged human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings attributed to Ugandan government forces.
He retired from the military in August 2025.
However, his family has dismissed claims that he was involved in plans to overthrow or destabilise the government. His wife, Patricia Apolot, told local media that her husband was innocent and would not engage in activities aimed at destabilising Uganda.
She maintained that Elwelu remained committed to his country and wanted to see it enjoy lasting peace.
