The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed reports that President Yoweri Museveni promised former deputy army chief Peter Elwelu personal safety in exchange for his surrender.
The army said Elwelu gave himself up after security forces closed in on him. It added that he would face the General Court Martial over his actions.
In a statement responding to a New Vision report published on November 5, 2026, the acting director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, rejected claims that a presidential assurance secured Elwelu’s surrender.
“At no point did the President and the Commander-in-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, offer Elwelu ‘assurances for his personal safety,’” Magezi said.
He also disputed suggestions that Elwelu surrendered of his own free will.
“He 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.
Security forces accuse Elwelu of involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise Teso.
Magezi emphasized that Museveni trusted security forces to take measures to maintain peace and order. He added that the President expected discipline from all military personnel, including members of the Reserve Force.
“Those who break the laws of Uganda shall be held to account without fear or favour,” he said.
