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UPDF deploys in Kalaki following confirmation of Gen. Elwelu’s arrest
Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, announced the arrest on Monday evening through his X account, describing Elwelu as a renegade.
Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, announced the arrest of retired General Peter Elwelu on Monday evening through his X account, describing Elwelu as a renegade. (File photo)
By: Michael Onyinge, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have been deployed in Anyara sub-county, Kalaki District, following confirmation of the arrest of retired General Peter Elwelu.
Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, announced the arrest on Monday evening through his X account, describing Elwelu as a renegade.
The deployment has heightened anxiety among some residents of Anyara, Elwelu’s home sub-county, amid growing security concerns in the area.
On Monday, security personnel convened a consultative meeting at the sub-county headquarters to discuss the situation.
Sources to the meeting reported that while addressing a group of leaders and security personnel on Sunday, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Sam Okiding, assured residents that the UPDF will establish a military detach in the area.
Residents woke up on Monday to find soldiers stationed at the sub-county headquarters, with some expressing fear over the increased military presence.
The Commandant of the newly established Anyara detach, Major Muhammad Rashid Draman, said he had received instructions from his superiors to help restore security and reassure residents.
He said reports indicated that some residents had fled to the bushes, others had sold their livestock, while some learners had stopped attending school because of fear.
Some residents, however, called for proper investigations into the reported security concerns to establish the facts and allow communities to live peacefully.
Samuel Ewoku said residents had not witnessed rebel recruitment in Anyara. He accused some leaders of fuelling the situation instead of allowing responsible security agencies to handle the matter.
Residents woke up on Monday to find soldiers stationed at the sub-county headquarters, with some expressing fear over the increased military presence.
The Commandant of the newly established Anyara detach, Major Muhammad Rashid Draman, said he had received instructions from his superiors to help restore security and reassure residents.
He said reports indicated that some residents had fled to the bushes, others had sold their livestock, while some learners had stopped attending school because of fear.
Some residents, however, called for proper investigations into the reported security concerns to establish the facts and allow communities to live peacefully.
Samuel Ewoku said residents had not witnessed rebel recruitment in Anyara. He accused some leaders of fuelling the situation instead of allowing responsible security agencies to handle the matter.
Paul Emiru, the Chairperson of the School Management Committee at Anyara Primary School, said school enrolment had dropped from approximately 1,000 learners to 400, attributing the decline to fear among families.
Emiru expressed hope that restoring confidence and security in the area would encourage parents to send their children back to school.
Kalaki District LC5 Chairperson Moses Oriada blamed social media for circulating claims he described as untrue and unsubstantiated.
Oriada described the people of Kalaki as peaceful and called for calm and order in communities as security agencies address the concerns.
Kalaki Resident District Commissioner Chris Mike Okirya welcomed the deployment, saying it was intended to restore order and rebuild confidence among residents.
Okirya urged the deployed UPDF personnel to maintain discipline and work closely with local communities and authorities.
Emiru expressed hope that restoring confidence and security in the area would encourage parents to send their children back to school.
Kalaki District LC5 Chairperson Moses Oriada blamed social media for circulating claims he described as untrue and unsubstantiated.
Oriada described the people of Kalaki as peaceful and called for calm and order in communities as security agencies address the concerns.
Kalaki Resident District Commissioner Chris Mike Okirya welcomed the deployment, saying it was intended to restore order and rebuild confidence among residents.
Okirya urged the deployed UPDF personnel to maintain discipline and work closely with local communities and authorities.