The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed a newspaper report suggesting that President Yoweri Museveni assured former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Peter Elwelu of personal safety before he surrendered to security forces.
The clarification follows a November 5, 2026, New Vision headline titled “Deal That Saw Elwelu Surrender: Museveni Assured Him of Personal Safety,” which the military has described as misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, disputed the circumstances surrounding Elwelu’s surrender, insisting that he did not voluntarily give himself up but was compelled by the security situation.
“First, 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, and there were no viable alternative courses of action at his disposal,” Magezi said.
The army spokesperson also categorically denied claims that President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, had offered Elwelu assurances regarding his personal safety.
“Secondly, at no point did the President and the Commander-In-Chief, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, offer Elwelu assurances for his personal safety,” he stated.
Magezi emphasised that the President has confidence in the judgment and actions of security forces in maintaining peace, law and order, adding that security personnel are expected to uphold discipline at all times.
“The President of Uganda has full confidence in the judgment and actions of the security forces to take all necessary measures, proactively or otherwise, to maintain peace, order, and stability in the country,” he said.
He further noted that the President remains a strong advocate of unwavering discipline among members of the security forces, including those serving in the Reserve Force.
Magezi warned that individuals who violate Uganda’s laws would be held accountable regardless of their position or status, stressing that Elwelu would face the consequences of his actions through the military justice system.
“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.
The statement effectively distances the presidency from claims of a negotiated surrender arrangement or personal safety guarantees for the former army commander, while maintaining that his case will be handled through the military judicial process.
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