The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF, acting spokesperson Col Chris Magezi, has dismissed a story published by government owned newspaper, The New vision, claiming that President Yoweri Museveni first assured former Deputy CDF Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, of his safety before his arrest in Soroti City.
Col Magezi dismissed the story, titled “Deal That Saw Elwelu Surrender: Museveni Assured Him of Personal Safety,” that run in the New Vision, Thursday, November 5, 2026, as misleading since Gen Elwelu only surrendered to security forces, after he had been cornered.
“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” he said.
He added, “Secondly, at no point did the President and the Commander-In-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni offer Elwelu “assurances for his personal safety”.
Col Magezi noted that President Museveni had full confidence in the judgment and actions of the security forces to take all necessary measures, proactively or otherwise, to maintain peace, order, and stability in the country.
“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.
Magezi further warned the general public against breaking the country’s laws, reiterating, that Gen Elwelu is set to face the court martial for his actions.
“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.
Gen Elwelu, who had been on the run for days, was recently arrested in Soroti City by security operatives over alleged subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso region.
Col Magezi recently revealed that security forces recently recovered 15 guns in his possession, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks.
Elwelu’s arrest followed directives from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who recently warned anybody against aiding Elwelu.
