Elwelu arrest left Teso residents terrified, says Museveni's ex PPS Omona

What the report says

Former State House principal private secretary Dr Kenneth Omona said the arrest of retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu unsettled residents of Teso, reviving fears linked to the region’s history of insecurity. In comments carried by Nile Post, Omona said people in Greater Kaberamaido and elsewhere in the sub-region were alarmed by the news and wanted reassurance from local leaders.

Omona’s remarks came in response to criticism from Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, who had condemned Soroti City West MP Calvin Echodu for speaking about the matter. Omona defended Echodu, saying an elected leader had a duty to reflect concerns raised by constituents, especially when a major security development affects the area.

According to the report, Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on Monday evening, November 2, over allegations of involvement in subversive activities meant to destabilise Teso. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces also said it recovered 15 guns, military fatigues and two pickup trucks linked to the retired general. Nile Post noted that the accusations have not been proven in court.

Omona argued that the timing of the arrest was especially sensitive because residents were preparing for planting season and school examinations. He said leaders should calm the population and support a transparent inquiry, while Balaam had urged people to avoid interpreting the case through tribal or political lines and to let security institutions establish the facts.