My Worst Nightmare Was When I Got An Order To Arrest Gen Elwelu- Gen Okiding Breaks His Silence

Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Samuel Okiding has opened up about the difficult moments he experienced while executing the order to arrest retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, describing the assignment as one of the worst nightmares of his military career because of their personal and regional ties.

Speaking during a radio talk show in Soroti City, Okiding addressed concerns among members of the Iteso community who questioned his involvement in the arrest of a fellow Teso-born senior military officer. He explained that although the two shared a regional background, his position in the army required him to execute official assignments regardless of personal relationships.

Okiding said his biggest concern throughout the operation was ensuring that Elwelu remained safe and was not subjected to any harm. He explained that he understood the sensitivity surrounding the arrest and the possible reaction from the community if anything happened to the retired general. He reassured the people of Teso that their son was safe and being treated with consideration.

The deputy army chief further revealed that Elwelu had been allowed to retain his personal bodyguard, whom he requested to serve as his cook while in detention. He also said the retired general had been granted three visiting days every week, allowing his family, friends and political associates to see him.

Explaining how the arrest came about, Okiding said the matter started attracting attention in August 2026 after parents in Kapelebyong District raised concerns about young people who had allegedly disappeared after being promised employment opportunities in Karamoja and other areas. He claimed that some of the youths had been taken to Kumi District while others were transported to Kampala.

According to Okiding, the situation became more serious after allegations were raised during a Cabinet meeting that some individuals in Teso were recruiting young people into activities aimed at overthrowing the government. He said he travelled to the region to investigate the matter and wanted Elwelu to explain allegations linking him to the suspected recruitment activities. However, his attempts to reach the retired general through telephone calls were unsuccessful, prompting him to visit several of his residences and seek assistance from other security officials.

Okiding said that after spending more than two weeks trying to establish Elwelu's whereabouts, security personnel eventually located him in Soroti. He revealed that the retired general was first taken to Ateker Villas Hotel before being transferred to Makindye Military Barracks in Kampala. He also said the young people who had been recovered were reunited with their families, with some expected to benefit from vocational training opportunities at the Presidential Skilling Hub in Soroti.

His revelations come amid growing public attention surrounding Elwelu's detention following allegations by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba that the retired general was involved in activities intended to destabilise Teso and overthrow the government. The military has also made claims about firearms recovered from properties associated with Elwelu, allegations that his family has disputed. Okiding's account has now provided another perspective on the operation, particularly his personal experience of being tasked with arresting a fellow senior general from his own community.