Leaders from the Teso sub-region in Uganda are working to ease tensions following the arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces. Elwelu was taken into custody on Monday evening after reportedly surrendering to security operatives. His arrest sparked concern among local leaders, who have called for dialogue to calm residents expressing anger and frustration, particularly on social media.
Elwelu, who also served as a Senior Presidential Advisor and Army representative in Parliament, was transferred to Kampala ahead of a planned meeting with President Yoweri Museveni. According to sources, the exact date and venue of the meeting have not yet been established. David Calvin Echodu, the National Resistance Movement chairperson for Eastern Uganda, announced that his discussions with President Museveni had yielded positive results, with the President agreeing to meet Elwelu.
Echodu appealed to the people of Teso to remain calm as regional leaders engage with the country's top leadership over the matter. He cautioned leaders against making statements that could inflame tensions, saying careless remarks were hurting the community. Echodu expressed optimism that the initiative would be achieved through collaboration with other leaders.
Benson Ekwee Ocen, the Executive Director of the Public Affairs Centre of Uganda, urged Teso leaders to draw lessons from the 1997 security crisis. He recalled that regional leaders had engaged the government through dialogue to resolve tensions, leading to the establishment of the Teso Presidential Commission. Ekwee argued that a similar approach was needed now to address the current situation.
Ekwee said sources close to him indicated that Elwelu was expected to meet President Museveni and his former commander, Gen Salim Saleh. The meeting aims to understand the circumstances surrounding Elwelu's arrest and detention. Ekwee warned Teso leaders against making inflammatory statements, arguing that the arrest of a retired general should not be treated as an unprecedented development.
Elwelu's troubles began with a public fallout with the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The Chief of Defence Forces has repeatedly accused Elwelu of treason, stockpiling weapons, and organising anti-government activities. Ekwee pointed to Gen Salim Saleh's reported efforts to introduce a regional approach to governance, saying Teso needed strong leaders capable of representing its interests.
Ekwee appealed to residents to remain calm and disciplined while maintaining support for their leaders, including Elwelu and Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. He said these leaders were facing difficult circumstances despite their service to the ruling NRM. The situation remains tense, with residents awaiting the outcome of the planned meeting between Elwelu and President Museveni.
Key points
- Teso leaders are working to defuse tensions following Elwelu's arrest
- Elwelu's arrest sparked concern among local leaders and residents
- A meeting between Elwelu and President Museveni has been planned to address the situation
