Diplomatic figure Amb Nelson Ocheger has launched a strong verbal attack against former Works Minister Musa Ecweru over his remarks suggesting that Arrow Boys could be mobilised to hunt for retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu. Ocheger accused the former minister of seeking political attention by involving young people in a sensitive matter involving senior military figures.

In a social media post, Ocheger challenged Ecweru to stop claiming that there was tension in the Teso sub-region, arguing that matters involving military operations and security should be left to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He questioned why the former minister was publicly involving himself in an issue that should be handled by recognised security authorities.

Ocheger further accused Ecweru of seeking favour from Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, suggesting that if he wanted political recognition or benefits from the military leadership, he should say so directly instead of involving innocent young people in disagreements involving senior generals.

“The boys were used and dumped, leave UPDF to do its duty instead of seeking attention. Ecweru thinks he is part of those in State House,” Ocheger reportedly stated.

His reference to the boys appeared to target the proposed involvement of Arrow Boys, a local volunteer force historically associated with community defence in the Teso region. Ocheger argued that young people should not be drawn into matters involving powerful individuals within the military and political establishment.

The exchange follows Ecweru’s public ultimatum demanding that retired former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu surrender to recognised authorities or face a coordinated hunt. His remarks reportedly included calls for the involvement of local forces in efforts to trace the former senior army officer.

Ecweru’s comments have attracted attention amid growing uncertainty surrounding Elwelu’s whereabouts. His wife, Patricia Apolot, recently revealed that her husband travelled from their village home to Kampala about two weeks earlier to spend time in prayer but had not returned since. Other accounts have linked his prolonged absence to concerns about his personal security.

Ocheger’s response has added another dimension to the public disagreement, with the diplomatic figure insisting that the UPDF should handle the matter instead of involving young people from Teso. Meanwhile, attention remains focused on Elwelu’s whereabouts, Ecweru’s statements and the military’s next course of action.