By Daniel Mugula
Fri 6, Nov,2026
The Ugandan government has urged politicians and other public figures to refrain from politicising the reported arrest of former Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, General Peter Elwelu, saying the matter should be handled by the military and relevant security institutions in accordance with established procedures.
Government spokesperson Alan Kasujja said Elwelu was in custody and would be subjected to the appropriate legal processes, including being presented before court, where the charges against him would be read and he would be given an opportunity to defend himself.
Speaking to journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Friday, Kasujja described the matter as a sensitive national security issue that should not be turned into a political or ethnic debate.
He cautioned against narratives suggesting that Elwelu’s reported arrest was based on his ethnic background, particularly claims portraying the matter as discrimination against a Muganda or a Teso soldier.
“Peter Elwelu was a soldier in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces as a Ugandan. We therefore do not see any form of discrimination in this matter,” Kasujja said.
He urged politicians to allow the military and other responsible institutions to handle the matter without interference, warning that some political actors could take advantage of the situation for their own interests.
Kasujja said the military was competent to handle matters involving former senior officers and called for patience as the process moves forward.
“If he has been arrested and is in the hands of the UPDF, allow the process to reach its natural conclusion. He will be presented before court, the charges will be read to him, and he will be given an opportunity to defend himself,” he said.
His remarks follow reports that Elwelu was arrested by security forces in Soroti City over alleged involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region.
According to information attributed to security sources, the former army officer was arrested after reportedly being on the run over allegations linked to activities considered a threat to security and stability in the region.
The reported arrest also follows an earlier recovery of 15 firearms allegedly linked to him, alongside military uniforms and two pickup trucks, during security operations.
Security authorities are expected to subject him to the relevant legal procedures, with possible prosecution in court over the allegations. However, the claims remain allegations and will be subject to determination through the judicial process.
Kasujja maintained that the matter should be left to the relevant security institutions, emphasising that the military has established procedures for handling cases involving officers of Elwelu’s rank and experience.
He also referred to remarks by the Speaker of Parliament, who had indicated that the military had its own procedures for handling soldiers of Elwelu’s calibre.
Meanwhile, Kasujja also addressed Uganda’s military involvement in Somalia, confirming that the UPDF had started withdrawing its troops from Mogadishu and surrounding areas, marking the end of a mission spanning approximately 20 years.
He said Uganda had fulfilled its Pan-African responsibility by contributing to efforts to restore peace and security in Somalia, a country that had experienced prolonged instability.
Kasujja paid tribute to Ugandan soldiers who lost their lives during the mission, as well as those who served for two decades in support of security and the restoration of democratic governance in Somalia.
“We have lost brothers and sisters in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and we salute those who gave their lives for the safety and transformation we continue to see in Somalia,” he said.
He further commended UPDF officers and soldiers who dedicated years of service to supporting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa nation.
The withdrawal marks a significant development in Uganda’s military engagement in Somalia, where Ugandan troops have played a major role in supporting security operations and efforts to strengthen state institutions.
