Former UPDF Deputy Chief Peter Elwelu Arrested in Soroti Over Alleged Destabilisation Plot

By Peter Luzinda 

 

KAMPALA, November 2, 2026 — Retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu has been arrested in Soroti City, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed, following a security operation linked to allegations that he was involved in plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region.

Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, announced the arrest on Monday evening, describing the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces as a renegade officer.

"Renegade UPDF General Peter Elwelu has this evening been arrested by the security forces in Soroti City," Magezi said.

The military spokesperson alleged that Elwelu had been involved in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the eastern Ugandan region.

Magezi further claimed that security forces had recently recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks in an operation connected to the retired general.

He said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law, although details of the specific charges had not been released by the time of the announcement.

The arrest follows days of uncertainty over Elwelu's whereabouts after the military leadership publicly accused him of activities against the state.

 

Security hunt intensifies

 

The search for Elwelu intensified after Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly accused the retired officer of treachery.

Muhoozi announced that he had stripped Elwelu of his military ranks, reducing him to the rank of private, and demanded that he surrender to security authorities.

The army chief also announced the arrest of several former soldiers allegedly associated with the retired general.

On October 29, Muhoozi disclosed that security forces had arrested Elwelu's driver and recovered a vehicle reportedly linked to him.

Military operations later extended to Elwelu's ancestral home in Aloet Village, Kalaki District, where security personnel reportedly conducted searches.

The UPDF's Monday announcement that Elwelu had been apprehended in Soroti marks a major development in the unfolding dispute.

 

Wife had denied allegations of rebellion

 

Before his arrest, Elwelu's family expressed concern about his safety and whereabouts.

His wife, Patricia Apolot, dismissed allegations that her husband was planning an armed rebellion, saying he had travelled to Kampala to spend time in prayer.

Relatives also told the media that Elwelu had gone into hiding amid fears for his personal safety.

The family questioned allegations linking him to weapons reportedly recovered by security forces.

There was no immediate detailed response from the family following the announcement of his arrest.

 

From NRA fighter to deputy army chief

 

Elwelu joined the National Resistance Army in 1987 and rose through the military ranks over a career spanning several decades.

He commanded the UPDF Second Division before being appointed Commander of the Land Forces in January 2017.

In June 2021, he was promoted to Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, a position he held until March 2024.

He subsequently served in presidential advisory duties before retiring from active military service in August 2025.

His military career also attracted controversy over his command of the November 2016 operation at the Buhikira Palace of the Rwenzururu Kingdom in Kasese.

The operation left more than 100 people dead and prompted criticism from human rights organisations over the conduct of security forces.

In May 2024, the United States sanctioned Elwelu over alleged human rights violations connected to the Kasese operation.

His arrest in Soroti adds a new dimension to the former general's turbulent public career.

The UPDF says he will face prosecution, with further details about the charges and the legal proceedings expected from the relevant authorities.