Intimidation & Arrest of Senior Generals Could Turn Powerful Military Officers Against You Anytime From Now– Gilbert Olanya Warns Muhoozi

Opposition politician and Kilak  south , MP Hon. Gilbert Olanya has issued a warning to Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, cautioning that the continued intimidation and arrest of senior military officers could eventually create serious divisions within the country's military establishment. Olanya warned that influential generals who feel targeted could one day turn against the army leadership, potentially creating a complicated situation for the country.

Speaking while addressing journalists, Olanya questioned the approach being used in handling retired and serving senior military officers, particularly following the arrest of former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen Peter Elwelu. He argued that generals are influential figures with years of military experience, established networks and significant connections within the security establishment.

Olanya cautioned Muhoozi against assuming that the continued targeting of senior officers would have no consequences, saying the military is made up of people whose relationships, loyalties and professional experiences matter. He suggested that treating experienced commanders as enemies could create resentment and divisions that may eventually affect the institution.

His remarks come at a time when several retired and serving military officers have reportedly been arrested or investigated over different allegations, including treachery, false intelligence and other security-related offences. The developments have attracted public attention, with questions being raised about the treatment of senior officers who previously occupied influential positions in the UPDF.

The arrest of Gen Elwelu has particularly intensified the debate, with political leaders from the Teso sub-region expressing concern and seeking an opportunity to engage President Yoweri Museveni and the military leadership. However, Muhoozi has repeatedly warned politicians against interfering in military and security matters, insisting that such interventions would not influence security decisions.

Olanya also raised concerns about what could happen if President Museveni, who remains the country's Commander-in-Chief, became unavailable to personally manage disagreements within the country's leadership. He suggested that the political and military situation could become more complicated if disagreements among powerful security figures were allowed to grow without proper intervention.

The legislator's warning highlights the growing public debate over military discipline, the treatment of retired generals and the relationship between senior commanders and the current UPDF leadership. While the military maintains that officers accused of wrongdoing must be held accountable, critics have continued calling for transparency and respect for established legal procedures.

Olanya's comments add another political voice to the unfolding debate surrounding Gen Elwelu's arrest and the wider investigations involving senior military officers. Neither the military leadership nor Gen Muhoozi had publicly responded to Olanya's latest warning at the time of writing.