Magezi said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law, although he did not disclose the specific charges he is likely to face.
Retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu has been arrested by security forces in Soroti City over alleged involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced.
Elwelu, a former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, was arrested on Monday evening after reportedly going on the run over the alleged activities.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, UPDF Acting Spokesperson Col Chris Magezi confirmed the arrest, describing Elwelu as a renegade officer.
“Renegade UPDF Officer Peter Elwelu has this evening been arrested by security forces in Soroti City. He has been on the run over involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso,” Magezi said.
The army spokesperson further alleged that security forces had recently recovered 15 guns, military uniforms and two pickup trucks linked to Elwelu.
“The security forces recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks,” he said.
Magezi said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in accordance with the law, although he did not disclose the specific charges he is likely to face.
“He will be charged and prosecuted in the courts of law accordingly,” he added.
Elwelu retired from active military service with the rank of Lieutenant General after serving in several senior positions within the UPDF, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Commander of the Land Forces.
By press time, the army had not provided further details about the circumstances leading to his arrest, the alleged subversive activities or when he would be presented in court.
The allegations against Elwelu have not yet been tested in court.
