KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) High Command has cleared the retirement of Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, a prominent military figure, marking the end of a career spanning nearly four decades, according to sources within the military and confirmations obtained by this publication.
The clearance, which occurred during a recent meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, at State House, Entebbe, signifies a significant transition within the UPDF’s senior ranks. While the specific date of his formal exit is expected later this year, the High Command’s approval paves the way for Elwelu’s departure.
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Lt. Gen. Elwelu, who enlisted in the then-National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1987 as it transitioned into the professional UPDF, has been a fixture in the military’s leadership. Rising through the ranks after graduating from the Monduli Military Academy in Tanzania, he eventually attained the position of deputy Chief of Defence Forces, the second highest in the army, before being removed from that role in March 2024. His rank also progressed from cadet to lieutenant general over his career.
His tenure as deputy CDF ended amidst controversy following a standby order class one issued to all officers during the absence of the then-Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbadi (now the state minister for trade), who was on official duty in Kenya. This high-level alert reportedly caused considerable unease within the military and the nation.
Subsequently, in July 2024, President Museveni appointed Elwelu to oversee government activities in the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions, a role he has held until his decision to retire. He also served as a UPDF representative in Parliament.
Preparations for Elwelu’s retirement have been underway, with the UPDF conducting a documentation and sensitization workshop in May for him and 1,346 other officers and militants slated for retirement in July and October 2025. The workshop took place at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Jinja.
Col. Chris Magezi, the acting army spokesperson, confirmed the impending retirement of several officers, stating, “There are some officers due to retire. Some officers will retire in July. However, generals will retire in October.” He included Maj. Gen. George Igumba, former commandant of the Senior Command and Staff College Kimaka, and Maj. Gen. Francis Okello, former commandant of the National Defence College Uganda, among the senior officers due to retire alongside Gen. Elwelu.
The retirement of Gen. Elwelu comes at a politically significant time as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general election. In the Teso sub-region, where Elwelu hails from, there is speculation that the outspoken general, known for commanding the successful Rwenzori operation against insurgents in 2016, might consider venturing into politics.
While some elders in Teso expressed surprise at his retirement, citing his dedication to the army, others, like Samuel Okello, the LC5 chairperson of Kalaki district, Elwelu’s home district, welcomed his decision to return home alive after decades of service. Okello also suggested that the Kalaki county parliamentary seat would be available should Elwelu choose to contest.
Born on December 6, 1966, according to parliamentary records, Elwelu has had a long and impactful career in the UPDF. He was among the first Ugandan military officers trained at the Monduli Military Academy and served in key operations, including the UPDF’s involvement in Zaire and the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army in northern Uganda, where he survived being shot. He also commanded the first Ugandan contingent in Somalia under AMISOM in 2007, earning commendation for his service. Prior to his role as deputy CDF, he served as commander of the 2nd UPDF Division in Mbarara and the 3rd UPDF Division in Moroto, and later as commander of Land Forces.
The UPDF High Command’s decision to clear Gen. Elwelu’s retirement marks the end of an era for a distinguished military leader and sets the stage for potential new directions in his career. President Museveni’s recent address to the High Command emphasized the importance of disciplined democracy as the nation moves towards the upcoming elections.
