Uganda accuses Peter Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and organising activities against the government
Ugandan security authorities have detained retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, a former deputy chief of defence forces and presidential adviser, over accusations of plotting against the government.
Acting military spokesperson Chris Magezi confirmed that Elwelu was apprehended on Monday evening, adding that he would be prosecuted over the alleged offences.
He described the former senior officer as a renegade who had engaged in activities threatening national stability.
The development follows a recent decision by Defence Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba to revoke Elwelu’s lieutenant general status and reduce him to the lowest military rank of private.
Elwelu became widely known in 2016 after commanding a military operation against the palace of a regional monarch accused of spearheading a secessionist campaign. His involvement in the operation subsequently paved the way for his appointment as army commander.
He later served as deputy head of the defence forces before transitioning into a presidential advisory position.
In August 2025, he retired from active military service.
In May 2024, Washington placed sanctions on him over alleged serious human rights violations, including unlawful executions attributed to Ugandan government troops.
Magezi disclosed that investigators had recently retrieved 15 firearms, military clothing and two utility vehicles allegedly linked to the retired general.
He further claimed that Elwelu had gone into hiding over suspected plans to incite unrest in Teso, eastern Uganda.
Last week, Kainerugaba accused the former commander of secretly accumulating weapons and coordinating hostile operations against the administration.
He demanded his immediate surrender, threatening punitive action against individuals providing assistance to him.
The defence chief also revealed that authorities had confiscated additional weapons and ammunition from Elwelu’s residence.
According to him, 20 retired servicemen suspected of collaborating with the former officer had already been detained.
However, Elwelu’s relatives have dismissed the accusations, insisting that he has no intention of challenging the government.
His wife, Patricia Apolot, defended her husband in an interview with local journalists, describing him as a devoted citizen committed to national harmony and rejecting suggestions that he could organise an armed uprising.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong