Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I In a misinformation alert that was issued later today, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed as false and misleading claims that President Yoweri Museveni assured former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, of personal safety in a deal that allegedly led to his surrender.
The army described the claims, published in a New Vision report titled “Deal That Saw Elwelu Surrender: Museveni Assured Him of Personal Safety” on Thursday, November 5, 2026, as misinformation that should be treated with contempt.
In a strongly worded statement, Colonel Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information and UPDF deputy spokesperson, disputed the newspaper’s account, insisting that Elwelu did not voluntarily surrender but gave himself up peacefully after security forces had closed in on him.
“First, it is misleading to suggest that Peter Elwelu surrendered out of his own volition. This is NOT true. He (Elwelu) gave himself up peacefully because the security forces had closed in on him, there were no viable alternative courses of action at his disposal,” Magezi said.
The army’s clarification seeks to challenge the suggestion that Elwelu’s surrender followed negotiations or an understanding with the President, instead portraying the former army commander as having given himself up after security forces had cornered him.
Magezi was equally categorical in rejecting claims that Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, had offered Elwelu guarantees of personal safety.
“Secondly, at no point did the President and the Commander-In-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni offer Elwelu ‘assurances for his personal safety’,” he stated.
The UPDF said the President had full confidence in the judgment and actions of security forces to take whatever measures were necessary to maintain peace, order and stability in the country.
According to Magezi, the President expects security agencies to act proactively or otherwise whenever circumstances demand, while maintaining discipline and professionalism in carrying out their responsibilities.
“The President is also a strong proponent for unwavering discipline at all times by members of the security forces including those serving under the Reserve Force,” he said.
Army insists Elwelu must account for his actions
The statement further warned that membership of the security forces, including senior military rank or previous service in leadership positions, does not place anyone above the law.
Magezi said those who violate Ugandan laws would be held accountable without fear or favour, making it clear that Elwelu’s case would not be treated differently.
“Therefore, it should be clear that those who break the laws of Uganda shall be held to account without fear or favour. Accordingly, Peter Elwelu will be held fully accountable for his actions in the UPDF General Court Martial,” he said.
The reference to the General Court Martial signals the military’s position that Elwelu’s case will be handled through the established military justice process, rather than through any alleged political arrangement guaranteeing him protection.
The statement did not provide details of the specific charges Elwelu is expected to face, nor did it outline the evidence that will be presented against him. It also did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the security operation that resulted in his capture beyond saying that security forces had closed in on him.
Narrative of negotiated surrender
The army’s response is significant because the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s arrest have attracted considerable public attention, particularly in the Teso sub-region, where his capture has generated political and security debate.
The New Vision headline suggested that a personal safety assurance from Museveni was central to the events leading to Elwelu’s surrender. The UPDF, however, has rejected both the alleged assurance and the suggestion that he voluntarily surrendered.
By issuing the clarification, the military sought to reinforce its position that Elwelu was taken into custody because security forces had left him with no viable alternative, and that he would face the consequences of his actions through the military justice system.
Magezi signed the statement in his capacity as Colonel and Acting Director of Defence Public Information under the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF.
About the Author
