Uganda’s military is going through important changes. One of the biggest surprises is the early retirement of Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu.
Normally, generals retire when they reach a certain age or complete their time in service. But Elwelu is being forced to retire early, even though he is still young and able to serve.
This move has raised many questions and caused a lot of talk across Uganda. Why would the military force a top general like Elwelu to retire before his time? The answer lies in a serious power struggle inside the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), involving Elwelu and General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
General Muhoozi is no ordinary officer. He is the son of President Yoweri Museveni and has become one of the most powerful men in Uganda’s military.
Over the years, Muhoozi has been preparing to take over key roles in the army and possibly the country in the future. But not everyone agrees with him or supports his rise.
According to reports, tensions grew between Elwelu and Muhoozi while President Museveni was away on a trip to Rwanda.
During the president’s absence, Elwelu reportedly refused to follow some orders given by Muhoozi. This act of defiance angered Muhoozi and caused a serious fallout between the two generals.
The situation became so tense that Muhoozi reportedly went into hiding in Ntungamo, a district in western Uganda.
This was seen as a sign of how dangerous the conflict had become. To resolve the issue, President Museveni called both generals for a private meeting behind closed doors.
The meeting was heated and almost turned into a physical fight. Muhoozi accused Elwelu of plotting a coup against the government.
This accusation shocked many, including the president himself. A coup is a very serious charge, meaning a plan to overthrow the government by force.
During the meeting, Muhoozi reportedly insulted Elwelu, calling him a “brainless buffoon.” This showed how deep the hatred and distrust between the two men had grown.
President Museveni had to work hard to calm them down and prevent the conflict from getting worse.
After this dramatic meeting, the decision was made to force Elwelu into early retirement. This was not a normal retirement but one linked directly to the power struggle inside the UPDF.
The forced retirement is part of a larger plan by the military to reorganize and bring in new leaders. Over 1,300 officers and soldiers are set to retire soon as part of this reform.
However, Elwelu’s exit stands out because it is tied to the political and personal battles at the top of the army. Muhoozi is seen as the president’s chosen successor and wants to control the military fully.
Elwelu’s refusal to accept Muhoozi’s leadership made him a threat that had to be removed. This situation reveals a bigger story about Uganda’s future leadership.
President Museveni has ruled Uganda for almost 40 years, and many wonder who will take over when he steps down. Muhoozi is believed to be the favorite, but others in the military and government may not agree.
Post a Comment
0Comments