The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) confirmed the arrest on Monday evening, November 2, 2026, in a statement issued by Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information.
Magezi announced that security forces had apprehended the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, who had reportedly been on the run as military authorities pursued him over alleged subversive activities.
According to the military spokesperson, Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City, eastern Uganda, where security agencies had intensified operations in recent days.
Magezi further claimed that security forces had recently recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the retired general.
He said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The UPDF, however, did not immediately disclose the precise circumstances surrounding his arrest, his place of detention or the specific offences he would face.
Arrest Follows Muhoozi Kainerugaba's Public Accusations
Elwelu's arrest follows days of public accusations by Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had accused the former senior military commander of engaging in activities threatening national security.
On October 27, Muhoozi announced on his official X account that he had stripped Elwelu of his military ranks and reduced him to the rank of Private.
The army chief also claimed that security forces had arrested more than 20 former soldiers who had previously served under Elwelu.
Muhoozi subsequently demanded that the retired general surrender, warning that security agencies were pursuing him.
On October 29, the CDF announced that security forces had arrested Elwelu's driver and recovered a vehicle reportedly used by the former commander.
Muhoozi also claimed that additional firearms and ammunition had been recovered from different locations during the ongoing security operation.
The public accusations raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the dispute involving one of Uganda's former most senior military officers.
Elwelu's Family Disputed Rebellion Allegations
Before his arrest, Elwelu's family had rejected claims that the retired general was organising an armed rebellion against President Yoweri Museveni's government.
His wife, Patricia Apolot, dismissed allegations that her husband was planning to destabilise the country, maintaining that he was not involved in activities aimed at overthrowing the government.
She also disputed reports concerning the alleged recovery of weapons from their residence.
Family members reportedly expressed concern about his whereabouts, with accounts indicating that he had gone into hiding amid fears over his personal security.
The UPDF has not publicly presented a comprehensive account of the evidence against Elwelu, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
Who Is Retired General Peter Elwelu?
Peter Elwelu is a former senior UPDF commander who served in several influential military positions during his career.
He previously commanded the UPDF Land Forces before being appointed Deputy Chief of Defence Forces in June 2021.
He held the deputy CDF position until March 2024, when changes in the military leadership saw him moved from the country's top military command.
Elwelu was subsequently assigned presidential advisory responsibilities, including work relating to the Teso and Karamoja regions.
He officially retired from the UPDF in August 2025 after decades of military service.
Why Peter Elwelu's Name Is Controversial in Uganda
Beyond his senior military positions, Elwelu is also remembered for his command role during the November 2016 military operation at the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese.
At the time, he commanded the UPDF's Second Division, whose forces participated in the operation targeting the palace of Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere.
The operation resulted in more than 100 deaths and attracted widespread criticism from human rights organisations over alleged abuses by security forces.
In May 2024, the United States imposed visa restrictions on Elwelu over alleged human rights violations linked to the Kasese operation.
His arrest over the latest allegations marks another major development in the career of a former military heavyweight whose name has remained at the centre of significant security and human rights controversies in Uganda.
The UPDF has confirmed that he will face prosecution, but the specific charges, the court in which he will appear and the date of his first appearance had not been officially announced by the time of publication.
His arrest now shifts attention to the investigations and legal proceedings that will determine the next steps in the case.
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