![People-Centered as Always, Wakiso Woman MP Betty Naluyima [of NUP] Destroys Mulago Hospital Top Bosses, Tasks Them to Explain Why Patients Are Forced to Buy Medicine Outside](https://mulengeranews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/pHdpcBSc_400x400-75x75.jpg)
By Ben Musanje
The arrest of retired Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu has triggered a fresh legal confrontation, with the Uganda Law Society (ULS) putting the government on notice over what it describes as the need to prevent arbitrary detention, interference with legal representation and a possible erosion of constitutional rights.
In a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday (Nov 3,2026), ULS President and Head of the Bar, Isaac K. Ssemakadde, demanded full transparency surrounding Elwelu’s arrest, insisting that even the most controversial public figures are entitled to constitutional protection.
Elwelu was arrested in Soroti City on the evening of November 2 after weeks of a security manhunt over allegations that he was involved in subversive activities and plans to destabilize the Teso sub-region.
UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi announced the arrest on social media, claiming that the retired general had been on the run over the alleged activities. The military further claimed that security forces had recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues and two pickup trucks linked to him.
Magezi said Elwelu would be charged and prosecuted in courts of law, although authorities had not immediately disclosed the specific charges or when he would be presented before a court.
But the arrest has now opened another front, with ULS warning the state against violating the former military commander’s fundamental rights in the handling of the case.
Invoking Article 23 of the Constitution, the lawyers’ body reminded security agencies that every arrested person is entitled to be informed immediately of the reasons for their arrest, granted access to a lawyer of their choice and produced before a court as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours.
The society also demanded that Elwelu be granted reasonable access to his next-of-kin, lawyer and personal doctor, stressing that the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair hearing cannot be sacrificed because of an individual’s rank, reputation or the seriousness of the allegations.
“Regardless of the identity, rank, reputation, or public controversy surrounding any individual, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and international standards bind the State,” Ssemakadde said.
In what could be interpreted as a direct warning against a repeat of previous controversial proceedings, ULS specifically cited the case involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, saying it would not entertain a recurrence of what it described as obstacles to chosen counsel, interference with legal teams, opaque processes and the erosion of fair-trial safeguards.
The society said the Judiciary and Government had, in several instances, failed to adequately protect lawyers carrying out their professional responsibilities.
It also invoked the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers and International Bar Association standards, which require governments to guarantee lawyers the freedom to represent clients without intimidation, harassment or improper interference.
ULS emphasized that lawyers must not be identified with the causes of their clients or condemned simply for representing individuals accused of wrongdoing.
The society went further, inviting Elwelu’s next-of-kin, lawyer and personal doctor to ULS House in Kololo for coordinated engagement on protective measures and strategies to guard against possible procedural abuses by state actors or those pursuing the allegations against him.
The intervention comes amid growing public attention surrounding Elwelu’s reported fallout with the military establishment.
The military has accused the retired officer of involvement in activities intended to destabilize Teso, while reports have also emerged that Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly accused him of plotting a coup and stripped him of his military ranks. These claims have not been independently established.
The alleged recovery of 15 firearms, if confirmed, would raise serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the case and the security implications of the reported arsenal.
However, ULS insists that such allegations must be tested through lawful investigative and judicial processes rather than public declarations that could prejudice subsequent proceedings.
The lawyers’ body condemned what it termed trial by media, warning against public statements that presume guilt, announce the stripping of military ranks outside established legal processes or prejudge the outcome of a case before the courts have heard it.
“Public pronouncements that presume guilt, strip ranks outside established legal processes, or prejudge outcomes undermine the rule of law and the integrity of any subsequent judicial proceedings,” the statement reads.
ULS has consequently demanded disclosure of the legal basis for Elwelu’s detention, the circumstances of his arrest, his current place of detention, access to legal representation and family, and confirmation that he will be presented before a competent court within the constitutional timeframe.
The society said it would closely monitor the proceedings and support the independent discharge of the legal profession’s duties.
Elwelu’s arrest has sent ripples through the Teso sub-region, where he is a prominent figure with longstanding military and community connections. It also raises wider questions about internal discipline within the UPDF and how security agencies handle allegations involving former senior military officers.
With ULS now demanding answers and pledging to monitor the case, the spotlight has shifted beyond the allegations against Elwelu. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
