Andrew Mwenda, the second-in-command of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) and a close ally of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has made fresh allegations against former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, claiming that he planned to assassinate Muhoozi as part of an alleged plot to take over power in Uganda.

In a statement shared on October 29, 2026, Mwenda claimed that people allegedly recruited into a militia by Elwelu had told security officials about a plan to kill the serving army commander. According to him, Elwelu believed that eliminating Muhoozi would clear the way for him to seize power.

“Private Elwelu was planning to kill the CDF @mkainerugaba. The militia he had recruited have said that in a briefing to them, he said he kills Gen Muhoozi he would be able to take over Uganda. Now he is hiding in the swamps of Teso,” Mwenda wrote.

Mwenda further alleged that Elwelu was hiding in the swamps of the Teso sub-region as security forces continued searching for him. The claim has added another serious accusation to the growing controversy surrounding the former army commander, whose whereabouts remain unclear.

The latest allegations come after Muhoozi announced that the military had recovered additional firearms and ammunition allegedly linked to Elwelu. The CDF also previously reported the arrest of Elwelu’s driver, while other people said to be connected to the former general have reportedly been arrested.

Muhoozi has previously accused Elwelu of treachery and criminal activities, with security operations to locate the retired general reportedly continuing. Mwenda’s latest statement has now introduced an alleged assassination plot into the escalating dispute involving the two military figures.

However, Elwelu’s family has disputed the accusations and expressed concern about his safety. A relative reportedly said the former general went into hiding after becoming suspicious that he was being followed, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.

Neither the alleged assassination plot nor the claim that Elwelu intended to seize power has been independently verified. No publicly available evidence has conclusively established the accusations, and Elwelu has not publicly responded to Mwenda’s latest claims.

The allegations have added to public interest in the search for the former deputy army chief and the wider security controversy surrounding him. Questions remain about his whereabouts, the evidence behind the claims and what action security authorities may take as the situation develops.