In a stunning and highly controversial statement, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Uganda, publicly attacked Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu, calling him a “buffoon” and “completely unworthy” of serving in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), have sent shockwaves through both military and political circles, raising alarms about the growing internal divisions within Uganda’s armed forces.
“He better run as fast as his small legs can carry him,” General Muhoozi wrote, in a scathing comment about Elwelu’s future in the military. “There is one fool that I will arrest soon. He is hiding behind my father, but I will capture him. He comes from Teso.”
These public insults mark a dramatic escalation in the already tense relationship between the two high-ranking military officers. Elwelu, a long-serving officer who has held key positions within the military, including Commander of the Land Forces and, most recently, Deputy CDF, was replaced by Lt Gen Sam Okiding shortly after Muhoozi took on the role of CDF in March 2025.
While Elwelu’s career has been marked by both distinction and controversy, it is his involvement in the 2016 Kasese Massacre that has drawn the most criticism. The military operation, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 people, including children, led to the imposition of U.S. sanctions on Elwelu in 2017. The tragedy remains a significant blemish on his otherwise decorated military career.
The reasons behind General Muhoozi’s recent outburst against Elwelu remain unclear, but analysts have speculated that his comments are linked to Elwelu’s removal as Deputy CDF and subsequent appointment as a presidential advisor—a move widely seen as a demotion. Some also view the remarks as part of Muhoozi’s broader strategy to consolidate control over the military and assert his dominance within Uganda’s power structure, especially as tensions rise over succession within the country’s political and military elite.
Elwelu’s future within the UPDF remains uncertain. Supporters of the seasoned officer argue that his decades of service, which have seen him rise through the ranks of Uganda’s military, should define his legacy. Yet, detractors continue to focus on his controversial record, particularly his role in the Kasese incident, which continues to tarnish his reputation.
The fallout from Muhoozi’s comments has the potential to cause significant shifts within Uganda’s military and political landscape. Some critics suggest that these developments highlight a broader trend of militarization within Uganda’s government, with the Kainerugaba family tightening its grip on both the military and political apparatus.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether General Muhoozi’s remarks signal the beginning of deeper purges within the UPDF or a power struggle that could alter the course of Uganda’s political future. Only time will tell what impact these tensions will have on the military’s cohesion and its role in the country’s governance.