By Kabuye Ronald
Former Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu has been arrested by security forces in Soroti City over alleged involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has said.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, UPDF Acting Spokesperson Col Chris Magezi said Elwelu had been on the run before his arrest.
“Renegade UPDF Officer Peter Elwelu has this evening been arrested by security forces in Soroti City. He has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso,” Magezi said.
The army spokesperson further claimed that security forces had recently recovered 15 guns, military fatigues and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to Elwelu.
“The security forces recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks,” Magezi said.
He added that the retired military officer would be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“He will be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law accordingly,” Magezi said.
Elwelu retired from active military service with the rank of Lieutenant General after serving in several senior positions within the UPDF.
He previously served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, making him one of the country’s most senior military officers.
His arrest comes amid allegations of activities aimed at destabilising the Teso sub-region, although the UPDF has not provided further details regarding the alleged plans.
By press time, details surrounding the circumstances of his arrest, the specific charges he is expected to face and when he would be produced in court remained scanty.
