PLU Caucus Backs Off Teso Security Presser After Guidance from Gen Muhoozi

Kampala: The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) Parliamentary Caucus has called off a press briefing scheduled for Monday, 9 November, at Parliament.

Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, head of the PLU National Chairman’s office, announced the decision on X, stating it followed guidance from Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba—the PLU Chairman and Chief of Defence Forces—following consultations with parliamentary leadership.

The cancelled briefing was set to address “the security situation in the Teso sub-region and the interference of politicians in security matters.” Kabanda had initially notified PLU MPs of the event on 5 November in a notice that also copied Gen Muhoozi.

The development follows the high-profile arrest of retired Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, in Soroti City on the evening of 2 November. Col Chris Magezi, the UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information, described Elwelu as a “renegade” officer wanted over alleged subversive activities and plans to destabilize Teso.

Security operatives reportedly recovered 15 firearms, military fatigues, and two pickup trucks linked to him. Gen Muhoozi had earlier stripped Elwelu of his military rank, reducing him to private, and accused him of stockpiling weapons. The UPDF has indicated he will face the General Court Martial.

Elwelu’s arrest has triggered widespread anxiety across Teso. On 4 November, the Teso Parliamentary Group appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and Gen Muhoozi to intervene and resolve the matter amicably, warning of potential risks to public trust and social cohesion. Led by group chairperson Simon Peter Opolot, the MPs sought an audience with the President or the CDF, while regional cultural leaders have held separate discussions at State House. Reports indicate that President Museveni has remained cautious about intervening outside formal judicial processes.

The planned PLU press conference had drawn criticism for potentially blurring the line between political activity and military affairs, given Gen Muhoozi’s dual roles as PLU chairman and CDF. Several observers and legislators questioned the appropriateness of a political caucus weighing in on operational security matters. Uganda Media Centre Executive Director Allan Kasujja publicly urged politicians to refrain from politicizing the case, emphasizing that Elwelu remains a soldier under the UPDF and that military procedures must take their course.

Kabanda’s statement did not elaborate on the substance of the discussions with parliamentary leadership or the specific guidance provided by Gen Muhoozi. The PLU has previously adjusted or postponed public activities following directives from its chairman, including earlier planned demonstrations and elements of its regional mobilization drives.

The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing PLU efforts to position Gen Muhoozi for a potential presidential bid in 2031 through localized endorsements and mobilization. Kabanda, who previously served as PLU Secretary General before transitioning to head the Chairman’s Office, remains a central driver of the organization’s parliamentary and structural operations.
Whether the decision signals a deliberate effort to de-escalate regional tensions, avoid institutional overreach, or respond to internal parliamentary pressures remains unclear. As of Sunday morning, neither Gen Muhoozi nor parliamentary leadership had issued further public statements.

Meanwhile, the UPDF continues to handle the Elwelu case through established military channels as regional leaders maintain calls for calm and dialogue.

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