ULS warns against trying Gen Elwelu through media

What the report says

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has called for transparency and constitutional safeguards in the arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, warning security agencies against what it described as a “trial by media.” In a statement attributed to ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde, the lawyers’ body said the state must respect due process, including informing a suspect of the reasons for arrest, allowing access to lawyers and family, and bringing the person before court within the required time.

According to The Independent Uganda, Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on the evening of November 2. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces later confirmed the arrest and said weapons, military fatigues and pickup trucks allegedly linked to him had been recovered. The army said he would face prosecution, but it did not specify the charges or say where he was being held.

The article says the arrest followed weeks of public accusations by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who had alleged that Elwelu was involved in activities aimed at destabilising the Teso sub-region. Muhoozi also announced on social media that Elwelu had been stripped of his ranks and demoted. ULS said it wanted the legal basis for the detention disclosed and invited Elwelu’s family and lawyers to discuss possible protections.

The case matters because it involves a senior former military commander and raises questions about rule of law, detention procedures and public commentary on an ongoing security matter. The Independent Uganda also noted that the dispute has heightened concern in Teso, where security operations had reportedly been underway before the arrest.