Gen Elwelu has No Deal with President, Will Face Court Martial -UPDF

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has said that retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu will face the UPDF General Court Martial, the army’s highest court, to answer for his actions.

In a statement, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, dismissed reports that Elwelu surrendered under a deal with President Museveni guaranteeing his personal safety.  He said no such deal exists, and that anyone who breaks the laws of Uganda will be held to account without fear or favour.  

Magezi said the retired general gave himself up peacefully because the security forces had closed in on him and there were no viable alternative courses of action at his disposal.

“At no point did the President and Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, offer Elwelu assurances for his personal safety,” Magezi stated. “The President has full confidence in the judgment and actions of the security forces to take all necessary measures, proactively or otherwise, to maintain peace, order, and stability in the country.”

The UPDF said the President insists on unwavering discipline at all times from all members of the security forces, including those serving in the Reserve Force.Anyone who breaks the laws of Uganda will therefore be held to account, without fear or favour. 

He said Elwelu will accordingly be held fully accountable for his actions before the UPDF General Court Martial. Elwelu was arrested on Monday in Soroti City and transferred to Makindye Military Barracks in Kampala, where he is reportedly being detained.

Earlier, Senior Presidential Advisor Charles Elasu told Uganda Radio Network that he had contacted army officials and was assured the General was okay.

Elasu said Elwelu was given a three-bedroom house in Makindye where he is staying, and was allowed to choose his own cook. Security sources at Mbuya said Makindye is where most senior army officers are detained before being taken to the General Court Martial. 

Elewelu’s quiet retirement ended last month on October 27, when Gen. Muhoozi posted on X that Elwelu was a traitor and had been demoted to Private. He ordered his arrest, claiming guns had been found at his home. He also ordered the arrest of Elwelu’s wife and about 20 former soldiers.