Iteso Elders Condemn Ex-Minister Ecweru Over Threats to Retired Gen Elwelu

Community leaders, elders, and notable figures in the Teso sub-region have strongly condemned former state minister for Works, Musa Ecweru, following his recent threats against retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu. Ecweru had publicly warned Elwelu to surrender within 24 hours or face being killed if cornered, claiming he wanted to protect regional peace.

The tensions follow allegations by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who accused the former deputy army chief of plotting a coup against the government. Muhoozi also announced that Elwelu had been stripped of his military ranks and demoted to a Private, adding that several soldiers and Elwelu’s wife had been arrested.

However, Ecweru’s intervention has drawn heavy backlash from regional stakeholders. Critics accused the former minister of attempting to usurp the powers of established security institutions and unnecessarily invoking the disbanded Arrow Boys militia. Former Uganda ambassador to Nigeria, Nelson Ocheger, dismissed Ecweru’s remarks as politically motivated, warning against exploiting vulnerable former militia members and stressing that due process must be respected.

Other voices, including mechanical engineer Philip Engaru and former parliamentary candidate Charles Opolot, similarly criticized Ecweru. They questioned his moral authority to label Elwelu a rebel, given their respective historical backgrounds, and argued that public threats undermine confidence in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police.

Elwelu has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, though sources close to him indicate he went into hiding following fears for his personal safety. Community leaders continue to urge restraint, calling on all political actors to allow lawful investigative bodies to discharge their duties without inflammatory interference.

Read more about the reactions to these developments at The Observer.