The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has firmly dismissed widespread speculation that former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, is being forced into early retirement. The rumors intensified after Elwelu’s name appeared on a list of over 1,300 officers scheduled to retire in July 2025, prompting social media users and political commentators to suggest his exit was orchestrated by new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, allegedly due to past tensions between the two generals.
In a direct rebuttal, Acting Defence Public Information Officer Col Chris Magezi described the claims as “rubbish and idle talk,” emphasizing that Elwelu’s retirement is part of a routine process affecting many officers. “So General Elwelu cannot retire-just like the others? What is the relationship between ‘threatening an arrest’ and a scheduled retirement?” Magezi asked, dismissing any narrative that the move was punitive.
Lt Gen Elwelu himself welcomed the UPDF’s decision, calling it “an honour to have served Uganda” and affirming his pride in his military contributions. Magezi highlighted Elwelu’s decades of distinguished service, noting his pivotal roles in operations in the DRC, Somalia, South Sudan, and within Uganda. The UPDF maintains that the retirement is part of regular generational transition within the military hierarchy.