Uganda Arrests Former Deputy Military Chief Peter Elwelu Over Alleged Destabilisation Plot

Ugandan authorities have arrested retired three-star general Peter Elwelu over allegations of planning to destabilise parts of eastern Uganda. The military claims 15 firearms, military uniforms and two pickup trucks were recovered in connection with him, while his wife insists he is innocent. The arrest follows accusations by military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Yoweri Museveni's son, who previously ordered Elwelu's capture and stripped him of his military rank.

Ugandan authorities have arrested retired three-star general Peter Elwelu, a former deputy chief of defence forces, over allegations that he was involved in activities aimed at destabilising parts of the country.
The arrest was confirmed on Monday by Ugandan military spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi, who said Elwelu had been wanted over alleged subversive activities in a remote area of eastern Uganda where he was born and raised.
According to Magezi, security forces recently recovered 15 firearms, military uniforms and two pickup trucks allegedly connected to the former military officer.
Elwelu served as deputy chief of defence forces between 2021 and 2024 and previously commanded Uganda's land forces. He was reportedly being held by military authorities at an undisclosed location following his arrest.
However, the government has yet to publicly provide detailed evidence supporting the allegations. Elwelu's wife has maintained that her husband is innocent, according to reports by the BBC.

MILITARY ACCUSES FORMER GENERAL OF SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES

The Ugandan military alleges that Elwelu became involved in activities intended to undermine security in parts of eastern Uganda after leaving active military service.
Magezi said the former deputy military chief had been on the run before security forces apprehended him.
The military also cited the recovery of firearms, military clothing and vehicles as part of the allegations against him. However, it remains unclear whether the authorities have formally charged Elwelu or presented the recovered items as evidence in a legal proceeding.
The former general has not publicly responded to the accusations, and it is not yet known when he will be allowed to appear before a court.
The circumstances surrounding his detention have also raised questions about the legal process that will determine his responsibility, particularly because the government has not yet substantiated the claims publicly.

ARMY CHIEF PREVIOUSLY ORDERED HIS CAPTURE

Elwelu's arrest followed public accusations by Uganda's military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had accused the retired officer of engaging in treacherous activities.
Kainerugaba reportedly ordered security personnel to locate and capture Elwelu alive.
Last week, the military chief also announced that he had stripped Elwelu of his lieutenant general rank. He subsequently disclosed on social media that 20 former soldiers linked to the retired general had been arrested.
The arrests suggest that the military investigation may extend beyond Elwelu to other former members of the armed forces suspected of involvement in the alleged activities.
However, the precise nature of the accusations against the former soldiers and their alleged roles have not been fully established.

PREVIOUS DISAGREEMENTS WITH UGANDA'S MILITARY LEADERSHIP

Elwelu previously held senior command positions within Uganda's armed forces, including leadership of the land forces.
During his military career, he reportedly disagreed with Kainerugaba over military operations. The disagreement became serious enough to require an urgent meeting mediated by President Yoweri Museveni.
The reported tension between the two officers has attracted renewed attention following Elwelu's arrest.
Kainerugaba is the son of President Museveni and currently occupies a powerful position within Uganda's military leadership. His public accusations against a former senior officer have therefore drawn attention to relationships within the country's security establishment.

MUSEVENI'S SON AND UGANDA'S POLITICAL FUTURE

Kainerugaba is widely viewed as a possible successor to his father, who has governed Uganda for decades.
Following Museveni's swearing-in for another presidential term in May 2026, Kainerugaba announced his intention to pursue the presidency in 2031, when the next scheduled elections are expected to take place.
His political ambitions have generated discussion about the future of Uganda's leadership and the influence of the military in the country's political affairs.
Uganda has experienced prolonged rule under Museveni, who has remained in power since 1986. The country has also faced criticism over political freedoms, opposition activities and the role of security forces in domestic politics.
Against this background, the arrest of a former deputy military chief has become a significant development for the country's security and political environment.

ARREST RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT MILITARY AND POLITICAL TENSIONS

The detention of Elwelu could have wider implications for relationships within Uganda's armed forces, particularly if investigators pursue other former military personnel allegedly connected to him.
The government will face pressure to provide evidence supporting its accusations and clarify the legal process surrounding his detention.
For now, the allegations remain unproven, and Elwelu's wife continues to maintain his innocence.
The investigation will determine whether the authorities can establish the alleged destabilisation plot, identify others who may have been involved and bring any suspects before the courts. The case is also likely to attract attention because of the involvement of senior military figures and the political ambitions of President Museveni's son.