Uganda arrests former army deputy chief stripped of military rank

Uganda has apprehended ex-military deputy chief Peter Elwelu, stripped of his lieutenant general rank, on charges of plotting to destabilize the nation. The military spokesman, Chris Magezi, described Elwelu as a "renegade" officer, apprehending him on Monday evening. Elwelu, who rose to prominence in 2016 for leading a military raid on a regional king accused of separatism, was recently demoted to private.

He had served as army chief and presidential adviser before retiring in August 2025. Security forces recovered 15 guns, military attire, and two trucks from his possession. The defense chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, accused Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and organizing anti-government activities. Kainerugaba ordered Elwelu to surrender, warning that those aiding his escape would face serious consequences.

Kainerugaba's son and defense chief claimed that 20 former soldiers linked to Elwelu had been arrested. His family, however, denies the allegations, with his wife stating that he is innocent and desires a peaceful Uganda.