Former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D-CDF) Retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu is expected to face the General Court Martial following his arrest. The state is expected to present exhibits to pin the retired general over charges related to subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso.
Security forces have reportedly recovered a cache of firearms, military clothing and vehicles linked to retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, as authorities pursue allegations that the former deputy Chief of Defence Forces was involved in activities aimed at destabilising eastern Uganda’s Teso sub-region.
The reported recovery of the items forms part of the security operation against Elwelu, who was arrested in Soroti City on November 2, 2026, following a period during which he had been on the run.
Chris Magezi, the acting Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, said Elwelu was wanted over alleged subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso.
In a statement, Magezi said: “Elwelu has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso.”
The army spokesperson also disclosed that security forces had recently recovered several items allegedly in Elwelu’s possession, including weapons and military equipment.
“The security forces recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks,” Magezi said.
The reported recovery of 15 guns, military fatigues and two pickup trucks could form part of the evidence state authorities intend to rely on as investigations into the allegations against the retired general continue.
However, the precise nature of the firearms, their serial numbers, the circumstances under which they were recovered and whether the vehicles were formally registered in Elwelu’s name have not been independently established.
The allegations have not yet been tested in court, and Elwelu remains entitled to respond to the accusations against him.
Elwelu’s arrest and military career
Elwelu’s arrest came amid heightened security attention surrounding the retired general, who previously served as Uganda’s deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
His arrest in Soroti City followed an announcement by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba that Elwelu had been stripped of his military ranks and medals.
The developments marked a dramatic turn for an officer who once occupied one of the most senior positions in the UPDF hierarchy.
Elwelu previously commanded the UPDF’s Special Forces Command before rising to become deputy CDF. During his military career, he also served in operational roles that placed him at the centre of Uganda’s security and military affairs.
His tenure as commander of the UPDF’s 3rd Division attracted considerable attention following the 2016 military operation in Kasese, where security forces stormed the palace of the Rwenzururu Kingdom.
The operation resulted in the deaths of scores of people, including members of the royal guard, and led to the arrest of Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere.
Elwelu later faced international scrutiny over the operation, although he continued to rise through the military ranks before his retirement.
Investigations into alleged subversive activities
The latest allegations against Elwelu introduce a new chapter in the former general’s military and public life, with security authorities now linking him to alleged plans to destabilise Teso.
Magezi’s statement did not provide details of the alleged activities, identify other individuals suspected of involvement or explain how the recovered firearms and military equipment were connected to the alleged plans.
It also remains unclear whether the 15 guns were recovered in a single operation or during separate security searches.
The authorities have yet to publicly disclose a detailed inventory of the recovered items or provide further information about the intended use of the two pickup trucks.
The arrest and reported recovery of the items are expected to form part of the investigations into the allegations against the former deputy CDF.
The central question now is whether investigators can establish a direct link between the recovered weapons and equipment and the alleged plans to destabilise Teso.
As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge about the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s arrest, the evidence gathered by security forces and the charges he could face.
Meanwhile, a famous Muhoozi ally has claimed that Elwelu had recruited rebels and that some of them have made shocking confessions about a plot to assassinate Muhoozi and remove Museveni from power, as detailed Here.
