KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan authorities have arrested former deputy military chief and presidential adviser Peter Elwelu over allegations that he orchestrated subversive activities aimed at destabilizing the East African nation.
Acting military spokesman Chris Magezi confirmed that Elwelu, whom he characterized as a "renegade" officer, was apprehended on Monday evening and is expected to face formal charges in court. The arrest marks a dramatic downfall for a once-powerful figure in the Ugandan military establishment.
"Elwelu has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso," Magezi stated, referring to a region in eastern Uganda. Security forces reported recovering a significant cache of military equipment in Elwelu’s possession, including 15 firearms, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks.
The apprehension follows an escalating public standoff with Uganda's top military leadership. Just days prior, Defense Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced he had stripped Elwelu of his lieutenant general rank, effectively demoting him to a private. Kainerugaba publicly accused Elwelu of stockpiling weaponry and mobilizing anti-government factions, issuing a stern ultimatum for the former commander to surrender or be declared a rebel.
"We have recovered a lot of arms and ammunition from his house. He has hours to surrender before we deal with him," Kainerugaba warned last week, adding that anyone assisting Elwelu would face "serious consequences." The defense chief also confirmed the arrest of 20 former soldiers allegedly linked to Elwelu’s network.
Elwelu's military career has been defined by both rapid ascension and fierce controversy. He first rose to national prominence in 2016 after overseeing a highly controversial, deadly military raid on the palace of a regional king who was accused of leading a separatist movement. Following the operation, Elwelu was appointed army chief and eventually elevated to deputy chief of defense forces before transitioning to an advisory role for the president.
His record drew international scrutiny in May 2024 when the United States government sanctioned him over alleged human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings carried out by government forces under his command. He officially retired from military service in August 2025.
Despite the severe allegations and mounting evidence presented by the military, Elwelu's family vehemently denies the subversion charges. His wife, Patricia Apolot, dismissed the accusations in a statement to local media, maintaining her husband's innocence.
"He loves Uganda, and his dream is to have a peaceful country," Apolot said, asserting that Elwelu would never contemplate starting a rebellion.
