Uganda arrests former army deputy chief stripped of military rank

What the report says

Ugandan authorities have arrested former deputy army chief and presidential adviser Peter Elwelu, according to BBC Africa, amid allegations that he was involved in efforts to destabilise the country. Acting military spokesman Chris Magezi said Elwelu was detained on Monday evening and would face charges in court. The arrest followed the recent move by defence chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba to strip him of his lieutenant general rank and demote him to private.

BBC Africa reported that the military says security forces recovered weapons and other items linked to Elwelu, including 15 guns, military fatigues and two pickup trucks. Magezi also said Elwelu had been on the run over what he described as subversive activity and plans targeting the Teso region. Kainerugaba had earlier accused him of stockpiling arms and organising anti-government activity, while saying other former soldiers connected to him had also been arrested.

Elwelu is a prominent and controversial figure in Uganda’s military history. He previously led a 2016 raid on a royal palace during an operation against an accused separatist movement, later rose to become deputy chief of defence forces, and then served as a presidential adviser. The United States sanctioned him in 2024 over alleged human rights abuses, and he retired from the military in August 2025, BBC Africa said.

His family has denied the accusations. His wife, Patricia Apolot, told local media that he was innocent and would not support rebellion.