Uganda arrests former army deputy chief stripped of military rank
Military spokesman says security forces recently recovered 15 guns in Elwelu's possession.
Uganda arrests former army deputy chief stripped of military rank
Uganda accuses Peter Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and organising activities against the government
Uganda has detained former deputy military chief and presidential adviser Peter Elwelu over claims that he was involved in efforts to destabilise the country.
Acting military spokesman Chris Magezi said Elwelu, whom he called a "renegade" officer, was arrested on Monday evening and would be brought before court.
The arrest came days after Uganda's defence chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said he had removed Elwelu’s lieutenant general rank and reduced him to a private.
Elwelu became well known in 2016 after he led a deadly military raid on the palace of a regional king accused of heading a separatist movement. He was later appointed army chief.
He then went on to become deputy chief of defence forces before being appointed presidential adviser.
In May 2024, the US government sanctioned him over alleged human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings carried out by government forces. He retired from the military in August 2025.
On Monday, the military spokesman said security forces had recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues, and two pick-up trucks.
"Elwelu has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso," Magezi said.
Last week, Kainerugaba accused Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and organising activities against the government.
He ordered the former army boss to surrender, warning that anyone helping him avoid arrest would face "serious consequences".
"We have recovered a lot of arms and ammunition from his house. He has hours to surrender before we declare him a rebel and deal with him," Kainerugaba said.
He also said that 20 former soldiers allegedly linked to Elwelu had been arrested.
However, Elwelu's family has denied the allegations.
His wife, Patricia Apolot, told local media that her husband was innocent and could not imagine starting a rebellion.
"He loves Uganda, and his dream is to have a peaceful country," Apolot said.