Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Uganda's Defence Forces (UPDF), has unveiled evidence against Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, a senior military officer accused of plotting to overthrow the government. On October 28, 2026, Gen. Muhoozi shared images of weapons and ammunition allegedly found at Elwelu's residence in Teso. The discovery includes AK-47 rifles, sub-machine guns, and a large cache of ammunition.
According to Gen. Muhoozi, the seized arms were hidden in Elwelu's private residence, indicating a plot to stage a rebellion against the government. Elwelu, a long-serving military officer, was recently stripped of his rank and reduced to a private soldier. Gen. Muhoozi accused him of masterminding a rebel group to destabilize the country. Over 20 soldiers who worked under Elwelu have been arrested and are cooperating with security agencies.
The UPDF Chief revealed that Elwelu has been given a short ultimatum to surrender to the authorities. Failure to do so will lead to him being declared a rebel and facing consequences. Gen. Muhoozi's allegations against Elwelu have sparked widespread attention, with many questioning the motives behind the military officer's actions. Elwelu's wife is also reportedly in custody, although details are scarce.
Reports indicate that Elwelu's residence in Teso was raided, and various firearms were recovered. The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Uganda and the potential for internal conflicts within the military. Andrew Mwenda, a journalist and close associate of Gen. Muhoozi, accused Elwelu of using his Christian faith as a cover for his alleged plans to overthrow the government.
Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu has had a long and distinguished military career, joining the UPDF in 1987. He has played key roles in various military operations, including peacekeeping missions in Somalia and counter-insurgency efforts against the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). Elwelu has held several high-ranking positions, including Commander of the Second Division of UPDF and Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
The allegations against Elwelu are part of a broader crackdown on dissent within the UPDF. Gen. Muhoozi has been at the forefront of efforts to root out what he perceives as threats to national security. The incident has sparked debate about the stability of Uganda's military and the potential for internal power struggles.
The situation remains fluid, with Elwelu's whereabouts unknown. Gen. Muhoozi's ultimatum has added pressure on Elwelu to surrender. The international community is watching closely, concerned about the implications of the developments on regional stability.
Key points
- Gen. Muhoozi unveils evidence of arms cache allegedly linked to Elwelu
- Elwelu accused of plotting to overthrow the government
- Over 20 soldiers arrested in connection with Elwelu's alleged plans
