Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered security forces to capture retired military officer Peter Elweru alive, saying he wants to speak to him personally as the operation to track him down continues in the Teso sub-region.
Muhoozi also announced the recovery of additional firearms and ammunition allegedly hidden by Elweru in different locations, alongside the arrest of his driver and the seizure of the last vehicle he was reportedly using.
In a series of posts on X, the army chief said the operation was aimed at dismantling what he described as Elweru’s treachery and criminality, while warning anyone assisting the former officer to expect serious consequences.
“In our continuing operation to dismantle Private Elweru’s treachery and criminality. We have seized more guns and ammunition he had stashed away in different places. We have also arrested his driver and seized the last vehicle he was using,” Muhoozi wrote.
He cautioned members of the public against helping Elweru evade security forces, adding that information provided by residents of Teso was supporting the ongoing operation.
“Anyone who aids this fugitive in any way will face serious consequences. Otherwise, I thank all our supporters in Teso for all the information they are giving us,” he added.
In a significant development, Muhoozi said he had instructed soldiers not to kill Elweru if they encountered him, but instead to capture him alive and bring him before the army chief.
“I have told our soldiers not to kill Elweru but to bring him to me alive. I want to talk to him,” Muhoozi stated.
The latest update follows earlier statements by Muhoozi announcing the arrest of more than 20 former soldiers allegedly associated with Elweru. The CDF said the suspects were cooperating with investigators.
Muhoozi had also claimed that security forces recovered a substantial quantity of firearms and ammunition from one of Elweru’s homes in Teso. He subsequently announced that the retired officer had been stripped of his military ranks and demoted to Private.
The army chief has previously issued an ultimatum for Elweru to surrender, warning that he could be declared a rebel if he failed to comply.
