SOROTI, UGANDA — Retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on the evening of November 2, 2026, following a weeks-long manhunt driven by public accusations from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The arrest marks a dramatic fall for a once-powerful military figure, stemming from a highly publicized feud with his former superior.
Elwelu now faces charges in the General Court Martial for alleged subversion and involvement in plans to destabilize the Teso sub-region. According to official UPDF statements and multiple news reports, the charges follow a series of security operations.
Weapons Cache and Arrested Network
Security forces reportedly recovered an illegal weapons cache allegedly linked to the retired general, including 15 guns, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks. The operations also resulted in the arrest of over 20 former soldiers associated with Elwelu, and his driver was detained during the investigation.
The arrest is the culmination of a public falling-out between Elwelu and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. On October 27, 2026, Gen. Muhoozi publicly announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had stripped Elwelu of his rank of Lieutenant General and demoted him to Private. The CDF accused Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and organizing anti-government activities, ordering him to surrender within hours.
Legal Battle and Court Martial
Elwelu rejected the demotion, stating that the CDF lacked the legal authority to strip a retired officer of his rank without a court martial sentence. Legal experts note that under the UPDF Act, a commissioned officer cannot be demoted to a non-commissioned rank like Private without a sentence from a competent military court, suggesting the social media announcement may have no formal legal standing. He now awaits prosecution in the courts of law.
The Kasese Clashes and Aftermath
Elwelu’s notoriety largely stems from his command of the November 2016 military raid on the Rwenzururu King’s palace in Kasese, which resulted in over 100 deaths. Despite international criticism, he was promoted and later served as Deputy CDF before retiring in August 2025. In May 2024, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on him over alleged human rights abuses related to the Kasese incident.
The arrest of Peter Elwelu is the culmination of a public power struggle with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He now faces serious charges, including subversion and illegal possession of firearms, before a military court. Key questions remain about the legal validity of his demotion and the specific evidence the prosecution will present.
About The Author
