Inside Lt Gen Peter Elwelu’s Final Hours Before Surrendering in Soroti

The dramatic events surrounding the surrender of retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu have unfolded, capturing national attention. After spending days reported to be on the run, the former deputy Chief of Defence Forces ultimately decided to hand himself over to security agencies in the Teso sub-region.

According to close friends and relatives, the three-star General reached out to authorities on Monday evening. He reportedly contacted security forces to announce his presence at his office in Senior Quarters, Soroti City West Division, telling operatives that they could come for him if he had answers to provide.

Upon alerting the police, security personnel quickly arrived at the scene. Lt Gen Elwelu was initially driven to a local army barracks before being transferred to the Ateker Villa Hotel in Soroti City, amidst a heavy security presence and growing public anxiety.

The development has sent shockwaves through the political and legal landscape. Regional leaders have reportedly rushed to brief President Museveni on the unfolding situation, while the Uganda Law Society has strongly urged the State to respect the constitutional rights and due process of the high-ranking military figure.

Lt Gen Elwelu remains a polarizing figure in Uganda’s recent history, having previously gained national and international prominence for commanding the 2016 military operation on the Rwenzururu kingdom palace. As investigations and official statements continue to develop, the situation underscores ongoing tensions surrounding security actions in the country.

Read the original reporting on the Daily Monitor.