Breaking: Retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu arrested in Soroti over alleged subversion

2 November 2026, 10:14 pm

By Frank Oyugi

Joint security forces have apprehended retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu in Soroti City, ending a days-long manhunt following high-level military accusations of subversion and rebellion. Military authorities confirmed the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces was taken into custody in a coordinated operation and is slated for prosecution over alleged efforts to destabilize the Teso sub-region.

​The arrest follows a series of public declarations by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on X, where he accused Elwelu of harboring subversive motives. In recent days, security forces raided Elwelu’s properties, reportedly recovering a cache of firearms and ammunition while detaining over 20 former soldiers associated with him. The CDF had issued an ultimatum for the retired general to surrender before being officially declared a rebel commander.

​Elwelu’s apprehension marks a sharp descent for one of Uganda’s most prominent and controversial military commanders. He commanded the bloody November 2016 military raid on the Buhikira Palace of the Rwenzururu Kingdom in Kasese, an operation that left more than 100 people dead. That raid drew international condemnation and led directly to sanctions against Elwelu by the U.S. government for gross human rights violations.

​Security agencies have not yet released the formal charge sheet, but military sources indicate that Elwelu will face trial in connection with illegal arms possession and planning subversive activities. His arrest in Teso has triggered heightened security operations and monitoring across the region.