Security

Uganda Arrests Former Deputy Army Chief After Stripping Him of Military Rank

BBC · 2 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
Uganda Arrests Former Deputy Army Chief After Stripping Him of Military Rank
AI SUMMARY

Former Ugandan Deputy Chief of Defense Forces Peter Elwelu has been arrested on charges of subversive activities and attempting to flee following his demotion.

  • Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defense Forces and presidential advisor, was arrested on Monday evening for alleged subversive activities.
  • The army's acting spokesperson, Chris Magezi, stated that Elwelu will face court charges.
  • The arrest occurred days after Chief of Defense Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba demoted Elwelu from Lieutenant General to a common soldier.
  • Security forces seized 15 rifles, military uniforms, and two pickup trucks from Elwelu's possession.
  • Magezi stated that Elwelu was attempting to escape after being wanted for planning to destabilize the Teso region in eastern Uganda.
  • Last week, Kainerugaba accused Elwelu of stockpiling weapons and organizing activities against the government, warning that anyone helping him evade arrest would face severe consequences.
  • Elwelu previously rose to prominence after leading a 2016 military operation against a regional king's palace that resulted in many deaths.
  • The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Elwelu in May 2024 for human rights abuses, and he retired from military service in August 2025.