By Joseph Kiggundu
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has made it categorically clear that former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu will face the General Court Martial over alleged subversive activities.
This is contrary to media reports that President Museveni negotiated his surrender or guaranteed his personal safety.
In a statement issued Thursday,November 5 UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said Elwelu would be held accountable for his actions under military law.
“Therefore, it should be clear that those who break the laws of Uganda shall be held to account without fear or favour. Accordingly, Peter Elwelu will be held fully accountable for his actions in the UPDF General Court Martial,” Magezi said.
The statement follows a report published by media on Thursday under the headline, “Deal That Saw Elwelu Surrender: Museveni Assured Him of Personal Safety.”
Magezi rejected the newspaper’s account, insisting that the former army commander surrendered only after security forces surrounded him and eliminated his chances of escape.
“First, it is misleading to suggest that Peter Elwelu surrendered out of his own volition. This is NOT true,” Magezi said.
“He (Elwelu) gave himself up peacefully because the security forces had closed in on him, there were no viable alternative courses of action at his disposal.”
The army spokesperson also dismissed claims that Museveni personally intervened to secure Elwelu’s peaceful surrender.
“Secondly, at no point did the President and the Commander-In-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni offer Elwelu ‘assurances for his personal safety,’” Magezi said.
He added that Museveni retained full confidence in the security forces and supported disciplinary action against military personnel accused of violating the law.
“The President of Uganda has full confidence in the judgment and actions of the security forces to take all necessary measures, proactively or otherwise, to maintain peace, order, and stability in the country,” Magezi said.
Arrest follows weapons recovery
Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on Monday, November 2, following a security operation in Teso during which the UPDF said it recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to him.
The former Deputy CDF had been on the run after Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba accused him of stockpiling weapons and involvement in activities intended to destabilise the region.
Muhoozi had earlier issued an ultimatum demanding his surrender and threatened to declare him a rebel.
However, Elwelu’s family disputed the military’s account, maintaining that the former general voluntarily presented himself to security operatives following consultations with relatives, friends and elders.
The conflicting accounts of his surrender have now prompted a public rebuttal from the UPDF, which insists that the operation was conducted entirely by security forces without any special arrangement involving the President.
Military jurisdiction
The announcement that Elwelu will face the General Court Martial also raises legal questions about the prosecution of retired military officers.
In January 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled against the broad prosecution of civilians before military courts, finding that aspects of the military justice system were unconstitutional.
Parliament subsequently amended the UPDF Act in 2025, introducing provisions concerning military veterans, reservists and military court procedures.
The UPDF has not yet specified the charges Elwelu will face or explained the legal basis for subjecting the retired general to military jurisdiction.
The case has also generated concern among political leaders in Teso.
On Tuesday, Calvin Echodu said regional leaders had informed President Museveni about public anxiety arising from the allegations against Elwelu and reports of a possible insurgency.
Echodu called for a speedy and transparent investigation while urging residents to remain calm and avoid inflammatory statements.
Elwelu previously served as UPDF Land Forces Commander and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces before his replacement in March 2024.
He subsequently served as Senior Presidential Adviser on Teso and Karamoja Affairs.
No date has been announced for his appearance before the General Court Martial, and the allegations against him remain unproven.