By Sekaggya Seka Moses
A significant reshuffle is expected in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) by July, with reports indicating that over 1,300 officers will be retired.
According to sources, the move is part of a broader strategy by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, to consolidate power and surround himself with trusted soldiers.
Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, a seasoned military officer, is among those set to be retired.
Sources suggest that Gen. Elwelu’s troubles began after he defied Gen. Muhoozi’s orders not to move military equipment or soldiers into Kampala when his father, President Yoweri Museveni, was away.
Gen. Elwelu was accused of trying to stage a coup plot and was subsequently demoted to Senior Presidential Adviser in March 2024.
The tensions between Gen. Muhoozi and Gen. Elwelu escalated further in December 2024 when Gen. Muhoozi publicly referred to Gen.Elwelu as a “buffoon” during a heated disagreement.
According to insiders, the decision to retire Gen. Elwelu and many other officers was made during closed-door meetings at State House Entebbe, where Gen. Muhoozi and other senior generals reportedly requested President Museveni to take action.
The move is seen as an effort by Gen. Muhoozi to strengthen his position and influence within the military, potentially paving the way for a future power transition.
Peter Elwelu is a Lieutenant General in the Ugandan military, known formally as the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF). Since 24 June 2021, he has been the Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces of the UPDF.
He was appointed to that position on 24 June 2021.[3] Since 9 January 2017, he has served as the commander of the land forces, which is the third-highest position in the UPDF hierarchy.
From June 2013 until January 2017, he was the commander of the UPDF 2nd division, based in Mbarara, the largest town in Uganda’s Western Region.
Elwelu is most known for the Kasese massacre in which, according to Human Rights Watch, 153 people, including children, were killed
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