ENTEBBE, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni retired seven generals of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on Saturday, including former Deputy Army Commander Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, at a ceremony at State House Entebbe.
Elwelu, who also served as Commander of Land Forces, announced his plans to dedicate his retirement to serving God. He credited divine grace for his nearly 40-year military career.
“I started it as an ordinary soldier. In 1986, I didn’t know that I would be retiring as a general in 2025,” Elwelu said in a prerecorded message. “It is only by God’s grace that I’m what I am today.”
Addressing the dangers of military life, Elwelu expressed gratitude that he was retiring “in peace and honorably.”
“Many are dismissed. Many end in prison. Many end in coffins. But for me, I am going with my two legs marching very well and happy back to my family,” he said.
During his speech on behalf of the retiring generals, Elwelu drew from the scriptures, noting that there is a time for service and a time for retirement. He publicly sought an apology from Museveni and his fellow officers, stressing that forgiveness leads to a peaceful life.
“To the Commander in Chief, we ask for forgiveness where we did not perform to your expectations — Forgive us!” Elwelu said. “From our side, we also forgive those who hurt us consciously or unconsciously.”
Elwelu was one of Museveni’s most prominent generals, notably commanding the 2016 UPDF raid on the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese, which left more than 100 people dead. In 2021, while serving as an army representative in Parliament, he said those who died in the clashes were “criminals who deserved what they got.” He defended the action, saying it had brought peace to the region.
At 58, Elwelu’s retirement came two years before the mandatory age of 60 for generals. He was part of a larger list of 1,300 UPDF officers approved for retirement. The other generals retired alongside Elwelu were Lt. Gen. Francis Ben Okello, Maj. Gen. Hudson Mukasa, Maj. Gen. George Igumba, Brig. Gen. John Byuma, Brig. Gen. Dominic Twesigomwe and Brig. Gen. Augustine Kamyuka Kyazze.
