Uganda Arrests Former Deputy Army Chief Stripped of Military Rank

Uganda has arrested former deputy military chief and presidential adviser Peter Elwelu over allegations that he was involved in activities aimed at destabilising the country.

Acting military spokesman Chris Magezi said Elwelu was arrested on Monday evening and would be charged in court. Magezi described him as a “renegade” officer.

The arrest comes days after Uganda’s defence chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced that Elwelu had been stripped of his lieutenant general rank and demoted to private.

Elwelu rose to prominence in 2016 when he oversaw a deadly military raid on the palace of a regional king accused of leading a separatist movement. He was later appointed army chief and subsequently became deputy chief of defence forces before being named a presidential adviser.

In May 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Elwelu over alleged human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings by government forces. He retired from the military in August 2025.

Magezi said security forces had recently recovered 15 guns, military fatigues and two pick-up trucks allegedly linked to Elwelu.

“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 chief to surrender, warning that anyone helping him evade arrest would face “serious consequences”.

Kainerugaba also said authorities had recovered weapons and ammunition from Elwelu’s home and that 20 former soldiers allegedly linked to him had been arrested.

Elwelu’s family has rejected the allegations. His wife, Patricia Apolot, told local media that her husband was innocent and would not consider starting a rebellion.

“He loves Uganda, and his dream is to have a peaceful country,” Apolot said.