Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding has broken his silence on the arrest and transfer of former army chief Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Peter Elwelu, assuring residents of Teso that the retired military officer is safe and has not been mistreated.

Speaking during an interview with Etop Radio in Soroti City, Okiding explained how the military searched for Elwelu for more than two weeks before eventually locating him at a hotel in Soroti and transferring him to Kampala.

According to Okiding, the matter started in August after parents in Kapelebyong District raised concerns about their children who had reportedly been promised employment opportunities at a company in Moroto. A man identified as Christopher Odongo was allegedly involved in mobilising young people using the job promises.

Okiding said the situation attracted further attention after reports emerged that approximately 84 young people had been taken to an AMI Church in Omatenga, Kumi District, while others had reportedly been transported to Kampala. He said investigations later brought up allegations that some individuals in Teso were recruiting people to overthrow the government.

The Deputy CDF explained that he was subsequently instructed to contact Elwelu and ask him to respond to claims linking him to the alleged recruitment activities. However, attempts to reach the retired general through his known telephone numbers were unsuccessful because the phones were switched off.

Okiding said he travelled to Soroti and visited several of Elwelu’s residences in search of him but could not establish his whereabouts. At one of the homes, they reportedly found his vehicle and firearms belonging to his security guards. Even Elwelu’s wife was reportedly unable to tell them where he was, prompting Okiding to seek help from some of the retired general’s friends and military colleagues.

The search eventually ended when Elwelu communicated with them and they located him at a hotel. Okiding described their meeting as emotional, saying they embraced each other and prayed before leaving. He added that Elwelu was later taken to Ateker Villas in Soroti before they travelled together to Kampala on Monday morning.

Okiding confirmed that Elwelu is currently at Makindye Military Barracks, where he is expected to engage with the relevant authorities over the allegations. However, the Deputy CDF’s account did not provide evidence establishing Elwelu’s involvement in the alleged recruitment activities, which remain subject to investigation. His remarks come amid growing concern in Teso, where members of the public have called for transparency, fairness and respect for the retired general’s rights.