Uganda arrests former deputy army chief over 'subversive activities'

Ugandan authorities on Monday arrested former deputy military chief Peter Elwelu over allegations of planning to destabilize parts of the country. Peter Elwelu served as the deputy chief of the Ugandan defense forces between 2021 and 2024. A military spokesperson said he was wanted for his involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilize a remote part of eastern Uganda. Elwelu was taken into custody on Monday evening. Fifteen guns, military fatigues and two pickup trucks were reportedly found in his possession. Ahead of his arrest, Ugandan military chief Museveni Kagurugaba accused him of engaging in treacherous activities after his retirement from active duty last year. Last week, according to the BBC, Kagurugaba announced he had stripped Elwelu of his Lieutenant General rank. The Defence Chief, who is also the son of President Yoweri Museveni, had then revealed on X the arrest of 24 former soldiers linked to Elwelu. Peter Elwelu has not commented on the allegations, but his wife told local media that her husband was innocent.