Teso Leaders Rally Behind Detained Gen Elwelu Amid Subversion Accusations

Political and cultural leaders from the Teso Sub-region have set aside their differences to rally behind detained former army commander, Lt Gen (rtd) Peter Elwelu. The retired three-star general was placed in military custody after handing himself over to security forces following accusations linking him to alleged plans to foment rebellion and destabilise the region.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community, rekindling historical war fears among residents who vividly remember past conflicts. Deputy army chief Gen Okiding described the order to detain his fellow Teso general as his worst nightmare, highlighting the high-level tensions within military ranks.

According to military spokesperson Col Chris Magezi, Gen Elwelu’s detention stems from alleged involvement in subversive activities aimed at government destabilisation. The high-profile arrest is part of a broader crackdown by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under the directives of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which has seen more than a dozen senior generals and officers locked up over the past 15 months.

Amid the escalating tensions, State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Musa Ecweru issued a 24-hour ultimatum urging Gen Elwelu to embrace peaceful mediation. Mr Ecweru appealed to religious and cultural leaders, including Soroti Catholic Diocese Bishop Eciru Oliac and the Emorimor, to help facilitate safe negotiations.

As the situation unfolds, Teso leaders continue to monitor developments closely, calling for transparency and a fair legal process as the military investigates the grave allegations leveled against the senior officer.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report on Daily Monitor.