Members of Parliament from the Teso sub-region have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene in the case involving former Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, whose arrest has sparked concern among leaders and residents in the region.
The legislators, led by Teso Parliamentary Caucus chairperson Simon Peter Opolot, say the arrest has created tension and anxiety across the sub-region, where Elwelu is regarded by many as a prominent figure who has served the country in the military.
In a statement read by Opolot, the lawmakers described Elwelu as a person who had made significant contributions to national service and called for caution in handling his case.
"We note with great concern the anxiety in Teso sub-region following the arrest of retired General Peter Elwelu," Opolot said.
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The MPs said the matter was emotionally sensitive and affected many people in Teso, urging security agencies and other authorities to handle it carefully to avoid escalating tensions.
They consequently appealed to Museveni, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to personally intervene, arguing that an amicable resolution would serve the interests of national unity.
"We believe this matter can be handled amicably between His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces in the interest of national unity," Opolot said.
The legislators also urged their constituents to remain calm as the matter is handled, saying they had spoken out because of the growing anxiety in the region.
Elwelu was arrested by the military following allegations that he was involved in activities aimed at destabilising the government. The circumstances surrounding the allegations and the evidence against him have not been fully detailed publicly.
Acting UPDF Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi confirmed the arrest, saying security forces had recovered 15 guns, military uniforms and two pickup trucks allegedly linked to the former army commander.
Elwelu was subsequently stripped of his military ranks, although further details about the charges he faces and the legal proceedings against him were not provided in the account of the arrest.
His arrest has drawn attention in Teso, where the former military commander has considerable public recognition.
