The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed media reports suggesting that President Yoweri Museveni personally assured retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu of his safety in negotiations that reportedly led to his surrender to security forces.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, 2026, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, described as misleading a New Vision report titled “Deal That Saw Elwelu Surrender: Museveni Assured Him of Personal Safety,” published in the newspaper’s Thursday edition.
Magezi disputed the suggestion that Elwelu voluntarily surrendered following negotiations and assurances from the President, insisting that the retired general gave himself up because security forces had closed in on him.
“It is misleading to suggest that Peter Elwelu surrendered out of his own volition. This is NOT true. 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,” Magezi said.
He also categorically denied that Museveni, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, had offered Elwelu any personal safety guarantees.
“At no point did the President and the Commander-In-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni offer Elwelu assurances for his personal safety,” he added.
Magezi said the President had full confidence in the judgment and actions of security agencies to take necessary measures to maintain peace, order and stability in the country.
He further emphasised Museveni’s commitment to discipline within the security forces, including members serving under the Reserve Force, warning that no individual would be shielded from accountability for breaking Ugandan laws.
Those who break the laws of Uganda shall be held to account without fear or favour. Accordingly, Peter Elwelu will be held fully accountable for his actions in the UPDF General Court Martial,” Magezi said.
Elwelu, a former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, was taken into custody in Soroti City on Monday, November 2, following a security operation linked to allegations of involvement in subversive activities and plans to destabilise the Teso sub-region.
The military had earlier claimed that security forces recovered 15 firearms, military uniforms and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the retired general. The allegations have not been tested in court.
However, accounts surrounding his entry into custody have differed. While the military initially announced that he had been arrested following a manhunt, relatives and sources close to him reportedly said he had contacted security personnel and handed himself over at his office in Soroti’s Senior Quarters.
The latest military statement offers a different interpretation of those circumstances, arguing that although Elwelu surrendered peacefully, his decision was compelled by the security operation closing in on him.
The UPDF has maintained that he will face the military justice process, with Magezi insisting that his former senior position in the army will not exempt him from accountability.